Stewart Trail

Fire Start, Size and Growth

Start Date/Time/Location: The Stewart Trail Fire was first detected around 2:30 p.m. on Friday, May 15, 2026. The fire ignited approximately three miles north of Two Harbors in Lake County, Minnesota, off Highway 61.
Size and Containment: As of the evening of May 15, the fire is estimated to be between 50 and 100 acres and remains 0% contained.
Fuels, Growth and Rate of Spread: The fire has exhibited extreme behavior, torching in trees with 50 to 60-foot flame lengths. Around 3:00 p.m., the fire spotted over Highway 61 and continued to spot in the trees. It rapidly spread, reaching the top of a hill at the Silver Creek Cliff Tunnel.
Containment Efforts: A unified response is underway involving the Minnesota Incident Command System (MNICS), Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR), U.S. Forest Service, local fire departments, and the St. Louis County Sheriff's Office. Multiple aircraft, including a Type 1 helicopter, two large air tankers (LATs), and planes scooping water from Lake Superior, are assisting ground crews. Firefighters are actively engaged in structure protection, particularly around the 1800 block of Loop Road and Highway 61.

Emergency Information

Evacuations and Sheltering:
Mandatory Evacuation Orders: "GO" (Level 3) evacuation orders have been issued for the following zones: Central Castle Danger, East Silver Creek, Flood Bay, Fors, and South Castle Danger. Law enforcement is directing evacuees to head north, away from the fire.
Evacuation Warnings: "READY" (Level 1) evacuation warnings are in place for East UT2, Gooseberry, Gustafson Hill, North Castle Danger, West Silver Creek, and York.
Evacuation Shelters and Information: Residents can view the exact zone parameters and real-time statuses on the official Lake County Evacuation Map.

Road and Infrastructure Closures:

• Highway 61 is closed in both directions between 4th Street and Highway 3. The northern closure was subsequently moved to Castle Danger Road.
• The highway is heavily impacted by thick smoke, and officials are urging the public to avoid the area and use alternate routes to ensure the safety of fire personnel and evacuees.

For more information, visit:

• Minnesota Incident Command System (MNICS)
• Lake County Emergency Management
• MnDOT 511 Traveler Information

Current Impact

Impacts:
Injuries and Fatalities: There are currently no reported injuries or fatalities associated with the Stewart Trail Fire.
Structures Impacted: The fire has impacted structures along Highway 61, with reports indicating that multiple structures have been destroyed. Homes up to the 1800 block of Highway 61 and Loop Road are actively threatened, prompting immediate structure protection measures by fire crews.
School and Business Closures: No specific school closures have been announced, but local travel and access to businesses along the Highway 61 corridor are severely disrupted.
Notable Impacts: The fire and subsequent highway closures are causing significant travel delays for those heading to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area (BWCA) Wilderness for the weekend, particularly routes toward the Sawbill and Gunflint Trails.

Safety Concerns:
Power Outages: No major power outages have been officially reported at this time, but residents in evacuation warning zones should remain prepared.
Water Safety: No specific water safety concerns have been reported.
Burn Bans: The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources has implemented burning restrictions. No open burning is allowed at this time, though campfires in designated rings are currently still permitted.
Air Quality: Heavy smoke is impacting Highway 61 and surrounding areas. Residents, especially those with respiratory conditions, should limit outdoor exposure and keep windows closed.
Flight Restrictions: Drones are strictly prohibited in or around the fire area, as they pose a severe hazard to critical firefighting aircraft.

Ongoing Outlook

Containment Projections: The fire remains 0% contained. Crews will continue structure protection and aggressive aerial water drops. Containment efforts are currently challenged by extreme fire behavior, spotting, and dry conditions.
Weather and Wind Warnings: A Red Flag Warning is in effect for the Northland region due to critical fire weather conditions. The fire danger in Lake County is classified as "Extreme" in the northern portions and "Very High" in the southern areas.

Cause and the Role of Weather and Climate

Cause: The cause of the Stewart Trail Fire is currently under investigation.
Weather and Climate: The fire is being fueled by exceptionally dry conditions and critical fire weather across northern Minnesota. The combination of dry fuels, low humidity, and ongoing Red Flag conditions has created an environment highly conducive to rapid fire spread and intense spotting behavior.

For more information, visit:

• Minnesota Department of Natural Resources - Wildfire Information
• Lake County Emergency Management
• MnDOT 511 Traveler Information