Out-of-Control Fire Closes Highway 61 Near Duluth

Two Harbors, MN (MinnesotaNow) - A portion of Highway 61 along the North Shore of Lake Superior is closed due to an out-of-control wildfire.

Highway 61 Closed Near Two Harbors

The Minnesota Interagency Fire Center is reporting that the Stewart Trail Fire has grown to nearly 400 acres and, as of Saturday afternoon, is 0% contained. The fire is burning just north of Two Harbors, approximately 25 miles northeast of Duluth.

The Minnesota Department of Transportation is reporting that Highway 61 is closed from the northeast edge of Two Harbors to near Castle Danger, a distance of about 6 miles.

Evacuation Zone Established Along North Shore

The Lake County Sheriff’s Office has established an evacuation zone in areas at risk due to the growing fire. People living in the mainly sparsely populated area are being told to be ready to evacuate if the fire approaches. A popular North Shore tourist destination, Betty’s Pies, is located within the evacuation zone.

Firefighters Respond to Multiple Wildfires

In neighboring St. Louis County, Sheriff Gordon Ramsay reported Saturday afternoon that firefighters were battling at least four fires, including one structure fire. So far, no evacuation orders have been issued.

Red Flag Warning

The National Weather Service has issued a Red Flag Warning for the area impacted by the fire and for a large area of northeastern and central Minnesota due to the high risk of wildfires caused by dry conditions and strong winds.