Disasters

Minnesota investigators say chainsaw likely sparked Birch Bay Fire
A wildfire that has burned an estimated 33 acres near Ely was believed to be caused by U.S. Forest Service crews conducting prescribed burn preparation work to improve forest health and resilience.
Wildfire burning near Burntside Lake outside Ely forces evacuations
The Birch Bay Fire has burned about 25 to 30 acres near the North Arm of Burntside Lake, about eight miles outside Ely. Nine cabins have been evacuated.
Flanders wildfire battle winding down as Crow Wing County takes stock of damage
The county board extended its local emergency for the Flanders fire and is working to assess the cost of damages. The investigation continues into who is responsible for causing the blaze, which is now fully contained.
Leave it to beavers! How these rodents damn wildfires
Man-made firebreaks, like dozer lines created by heavy machinery and hand lines dug by firefighters, help stop flames from spreading — but so do natural barriers like beaver ponds.
North Shore Highway 61 reopens after fire just in time for Memorial Day
Highway 61 between Two Harbors and Silver Bay was closed for several days as firefighters worked to control the Stewart Trail Fire. With the fire now fully contained, the highway has reopened ahead of a busy holiday weekend for travel.