Full Breakdown
Minnesota Man Arrested After Shooting at Firefighting Aircraft During Wildfire
5/19/2026, 3:55:20 AM
Firefighting Aircraft Struck by Gunfire and Subsequent Arrest
On Friday, May 15, 2026, a fire-suppression aircraft was hit by a bullet while scooping water from Kjostad Lake near Portage Township, about 15 miles north of Orr. The plane returned to Hibbing Airport; the pilot was unharmed and the aircraft landed safely. Daniel Christian Pettit, 48, a Portage Township resident, was arrested on Sunday, May 17, 2026, after a search warrant at his home yielded firearms and ammunition. He is charged with reckless discharge of a firearm, second-degree assault and felony criminal damage to property.
Multiple Wildfires Prompt Emergency Response
Multiple wildfires burned across Lake, Crow Wing, and St. Louis counties. The Portage Township fire prompted Governor Tim Walz to declare a peacetime emergency and activate the National Guard. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources deployed two Air Tractor fire-suppression aircraft, and state and federal crews worked the blaze.
Investigation Partners and Key Individuals
The investigation involved the St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office, Minnesota DNR, FAA, FBI, Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, Minnesota State Patrol, Duluth Police Department, Superior Police Department, and other partners. Governor Walz’s order authorized National Guard deployment.
Timeline of Events
- Friday, May 15, 2026 (~4 p.m.): Fire reported in Portage Township; aircraft dispatched, and at ~7 p.m. a bullet struck the plane scooping water from Kjostad Lake; damage discovered after return to Hibbing Airport, pilot unharmed.
- Sunday, May 17, 2026: Search warrant at Pettit’s home yields firearms and ammunition; he is arrested and charged with reckless discharge of a firearm, second-degree assault, and felony criminal damage to property.
Data and Statistics
Two Air Tractor fire-suppression aircraft were deployed; a bullet struck one after scooping water from Kjostad Lake. No injuries occurred and the plane landed safely. The suspect faces three charges—reckless discharge of a firearm, second-degree assault, and felony criminal damage to property. The Flanders Fire burned ~1,200 acres, the Two Harbors fire 355 acres (62 % contained), and the Steward Trail Fire ~355 acres. The National Guard was mobilized for firefighting support.
Impact and Legal Implications
Interfering with wildfire-suppression aircraft poses a safety risk to pilots, firefighters and nearby communities and can hinder containment. The arrest underscores legal consequences for endangering emergency operations and the coordinated response of law-enforcement and fire-management agencies.
Official Statements and Responses
The St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office warned that interfering with firefighting aircraft puts pilots, firefighters and the public at significant risk. Governor Tim Walz declared a peacetime emergency and authorized National Guard deployment to aid the wildfires.
Conflicting Reports and Gaps
All sources provide consistent details regarding the time, location, suspect identity and charges; no contradictory accounts were identified. Ongoing investigative details, including motive, have not been disclosed.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Louis County Sheriff’s Office said that interfering with firefighting aircrafts puts pilots, firefighters, and the public at a significant risk.” — St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office
What’s Next
Law-enforcement officials will continue to investigate the shooting; the suspect remains in custody pending court proceedings. Fire suppression activities proceed under National Guard support, and authorities monitor containment of the active wildfires.
