Stewart Trail Fire now 62% contained after days of firefighting; Highway 61 still closed
- Minnesota fire officials said on May 18 the Stewart Trail Fire near Two Harbors reached 62% containment after burning for days, with escorted returns allowed. - The fire burned 34 structures and held at about 355 acres, while Highway 61 stayed closed between the Stewart River and Silver Creek Tunnel. - Gov. Tim Walz visited the area on May 18; MnDOT road updates remained available through 511 Minnesota.
The Stewart Trail Fire near Two Harbors reached 62% containment by late May 18 after crews spent several days holding lines along Minnesota’s North Shore, according to the Minnesota Incident Command System and MPR News. Authorities said the fire had not grown since May 16 and was estimated at about 355 acres. Lake County officials began allowing limited escorted access for property owners on May 18 so residents could check damage. Highway 61 remained closed through the burn area as firefighting and damage assessment continued. ### How far had firefighters gotten by May 18? The Minnesota Incident Command System said on May 18 that crews had secured 62% of the fire perimeter, up from 30% containment reported the previous day. Officials described the fire as smoldering rather than actively advancing, and incident commander Mike Hill told MPR News the footprint had not expanded since May 16. (mprnews.org) MPR News reported that aircraft were used to knock down flareups while ground crews worked containment lines near Highway 61. FOX 9 also reported on May 18 that the fire’s cause had been determined to be a downed power line. ### What damage had been confirmed in the burn area? Lake County and firefighting officials said by May 16 that 34 structures had been damaged or destroyed. (mprnews.org) MPR News reported that tally included eight primary structures, such as homes, and 26 outbuildings. The burn area lay northeast of Two Harbors along the Lake Superior shore and near the Silver Creek area. (mprnews.org) Photos published by MPR News showed damaged properties and smoke over the fire zone as crews continued mop-up work through the weekend. ### Who was allowed back in, and under what limits? Lake County officials said property owners and residents in the area between the Stewart River and the Silver Creek Tunnel could return under escort on May 18 between 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. (mprnews.org) MPR News reported that those entering had to show proof of residency or property ownership. (mprnews.org) The access window was limited to damage checks rather than a full reopening. Evacuation restrictions were still in place elsewhere in the fire zone while responders continued suppression and safety work. ### Why was Highway 61 still closed? U.S. Highway 61 remained closed because of heavy smoke, fire activity and the presence of firefighting equipment, according to Lake County notices. (mprnews.org) The county said the closure ran from County Highway 2 in Two Harbors to County Highway 106 in Castle Danger, with a detour in place for through traffic. MPR News described the closure more narrowly on May 18 as the stretch between the Stewart River and the Silver Creek Tunnel. The difference reflects how agencies described the operational closure points and detour boundaries at different stages of the response. ### What did state officials do next? Gov. Tim Walz was scheduled to visit the area on May 18 to meet local officials, firefighters and other first responders, according to MPR News and FOX 9. (co.lake.mn.us) The visit came as crews shifted from initial attack to holding lines, extinguishing hot spots and documenting damage. (mprnews.org) By early May 19, MPR News reported the Stewart Trail Fire was fully contained, aided by cooler, more humid weather and light rain. Highway information continued to be posted through Minnesota road-alert channels, including 511 Minnesota, while local authorities handled access and recovery steps for residents in the burn area. (mprnews.org 1) (mprnews.org 2)
