Minnesota wildfire closes Highway 61

A wildfire burning northeast of Two Harbors forced evacuations and shut part of Highway 61 on Friday as crews worked from the ground and the air to slow its spread. The fire, identified by Minnesota incident officials as the Stewart Trail Fire, was detected Friday afternoon near Lake County Highway 3 and U.S. Highway 61, about 3 miles north of Two Harbors. By Friday night, the fire had grown to an estimated 100 acres and remained 0% contained, according to the Minnesota Incident Command System. Minnesota’s 511 road system listed Highway 61 closed in both directions in the area, and local authorities told some residents and businesses to leave. ### Where is the fire and what road was closed? The Stewart Trail Fire was reported near Lake County Highway 3 and U.S. Highway 61 in Lake County, north of Two Harbors, according to Minnesota incident officials. MnDOT’s 511 system said Highway 61 was closed at County Highway 2 in Two Harbors and at West Castle Danger Road, County Highway 106, in Castle Danger. MPR News reported the closure left drivers heading farther up the North Shore facing a long detour Friday night. (mnics.org) The fire was one of at least 18 wildfires reported across northeastern Minnesota amid dry conditions and gusty winds, MPR said. ### Who was told to evacuate? Lake County issued evacuation orders for homes and businesses along Highway 61 and County Road 3 northeast of Two Harbors, MPR reported. (mnics.org) Minnesota incident officials said the county had activated its “Ready, Set, Go” notification plan and directed people to the county’s evacuation map for current information. Betty’s Pies, a well-known restaurant in the evacuation zone, said on Facebook that it was closed for the rest of the day because of the fire, according to MPR. (mprnews.org) Officials had not reported Friday night whether any buildings were damaged. ### How large was the fire by Friday night? Minnesota incident officials put the Stewart Trail Fire at an estimated 100 acres and 0% containment in an update posted Friday night. (mprnews.org) MPR cited the same figures and said the fire was first detected Friday afternoon. The Minnesota Incident Command System said multiple local, state and federal agencies were responding, supported by aircraft making water and retardant drops. (mprnews.org) Firefighters were building containment line with hand crews and heavy equipment, including dozers, the incident update said. ### Why were conditions so dangerous on Friday? The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources said the National Weather Service had issued a Red Flag Warning for 54 counties across northern, central and parts of southwest Minnesota on May 15 because of extreme fire risk conditions. (mnics.org) The incident update for the Stewart Trail Fire said Red Flag Warning conditions were in effect in Lake County until 9 p.m. Friday. MPR reported crews were battling multiple fires in northeastern Minnesota on the same day. In St. Louis County, Sheriff Gordon Ramsay said crews responded to 17 wildfires Friday and had controlled them by Friday night, with mop-up operations underway. ### Who was managing the response overnight and next? Fire crews were expected to stay on the Stewart Trail Fire overnight, according to Minnesota incident officials. (dnr.state.mn.us) The agency said a MNICS Type 3 Incident Management Team had been requested and would take over management of the fire on Saturday, May 16. Minnesota’s 511 system was still listing Highway 61 as closed in both directions in the area as of an update posted at 9:17 p.m. (mprnews.org) CDT Friday. Lake County said evacuation information would continue to be posted through its county mapping system as the response moved into Saturday. (511mn.org) (mnics.org)