A rapidly moving wildfire just northeast of Two Harbors has brought significant disruptions, evacuations, and closures to Minnesota’s North Shore this weekend. Dubbed the Stewart Trail Fire, the blaze ignited on Friday afternoon, May 15, amid gusty winds and critically dry spring conditions, highlighting the heightened fire danger currently gripping northeastern Minnesota.
We’re tracking the latest updates on the incident, its impacts, and how it may affect your upcoming travels to the Arrowhead region and the Superior National Forest.
May 20 Update:
The fire is considered 100% contained, Highway 61 is open in both directions, check 511mn.org for updates.
May 19 Update:
Size: 356 Acres
Status: 100% Contained
Cause: Power Line
The Stewart Trail fire is considered 100% contained, aided by cooler temps and calmer winds. The cause of the wildfire was determined to be a downed power line. Highway 61 remains closed between Stewart River and the Silver Cliff Tunnel, with a detour in place and evacuation orders have been reduced. Ground crews used chainsaws, dozers, hoses, and hand-digging to reduce the fire’s spread. Firefighters will continue to patrol for any remaining hot spots or smoldering throughout the day.
May 18 Update:
Size: 355 Acres
Status: 62% Contained
Cooler weather and rain aided fire crews over the weekend, where the wildfire is now listed at over 60% contained and conditions appear to be favorable. The current fire behavior is considered minimal and smoldering. The evacuation zone was reduced by Lake County officials on Sunday. Crews use aircraft to dowse flames and contain flareups, and ground crews are putting out hotspots and conducting ‘mop-ups’ around structures.
May 17 Update:
Size: 335 acres
Status: 30% Contained
Incident Overview
- Location: Lake County, approximately 3 miles northeast of Two Harbors, MN, near Lake County Highway 3 and U.S. Highway 61
- Size: 335 acres (May 17)
- Containment: 30% contained (as of the latest updates from InciWeb, the Minnesota Incident Command System and Lake County officials)
- Cause: Under investigation
The fire exhibited extreme initial behavior on Friday, torching trees with flame lengths reaching up to 60 feet. Strong winds caused the fire to spot across U.S. Highway 61, rapidly spreading up the hill near the Silver Creek Cliff Tunnel. Dozens of local, state, federal, and tribal personnel have responded to the scene. Ground crews are being heavily supported by aerial resources, including water-scooping planes drawing directly from Lake Superior and air tankers dropping fire retardant.
A Type 3 Incident Management Team officially assumed command of the fire on Saturday morning to coordinate the unified response alongside the Two Harbors Fire Department and Lake County Sheriff.
Structural Damage & Evacuations
The fire has taken a toll on local properties. A damage assessment completed Saturday evening confirmed that 34 structures have been damaged or destroyed, including eight primary residences or businesses and 26 outbuildings. No injuries or deaths have been reported.
Mandatory “GO” (Level 3) evacuation orders remain in place for several local zones, including Central/South Castle Danger, East Silver Creek, Flood Bay, and Fors. An evacuation shelter has been set up at the Sonju Arena in Two Harbors by Lake County Public Health and the Red Cross.
Evacuations: Lake County has implemented the Ready, Set, Go notification plan. Check current evacuation information: Fire Evacuation | Lake County Atlas Parcel Viewer
Critical Highway & Trail Closures
For those heading up the North Shore or planning trips toward the Boundary Waters Canoe Area (BWCA) Wilderness, please be aware of major travel disruptions:
- U.S. Highway 61 Closure: Highway 61 remains closed between County Road 2 in Two Harbors and West Castle Danger Road (County Highway 106) in Castle Danger. A detour is active from Silver Bay to Two Harbors. Travelers should expect significant delays and are asked to check 511mn.org for real-time traffic routing.
- Superior Hiking Trail Impact: Portions of the Superior Hiking Trail in the immediate vicinity of the fire are affected by the evacuation orders and are currently closed to hikers.
Severe Fire Risk & Safety Reminders
The Stewart Trail Fire was one of at least 18 wildfires reported in northeastern Minnesota on Friday alone, driven by a regional Red Flag Warning, low relative humidity, and high winds.
- Burn Restrictions: The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has implemented spring burning restrictions. Open burning is prohibited, though campfires in designated rings are still legally permitted. Please exercise extreme caution if you are outdoors.
- Drone Ban: Fire officials have issued a strict reminder that flying personal drones anywhere near the fire area is illegal and highly dangerous. If you fly, firefighting aircraft must land, severely hindering containment efforts.
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