Story perspectives

Walz Visits Stewart Trail Fire Site, 34 Structures Lost

5/20/2026

Summary

Story summary

Governor Tim Walz toured Two Harbors on May 18 to assess damage from the Stewart Trail wildfire.
The fire, sparked by a power line on May 15, burned 356 acres, destroyed 34 structures—including eight homes—and was declared fully contained on May 19.
State officials lifted Crow Wing County’s evacuation order, reduced Lake County’s zone as containment hit 60% and 100%, and kept U.S. Highway 61 closed between the Stewart River and the Silver Cliff Tunnel.

History

Historical Context

On November 8 2018 a broken hook on a PG&E transmission line ignited the Camp Fire, which killed 85 people and razed more than 18,000 structures, becoming California’s deadliest blaze. The disaster spurred the CPUC to adopt stricter fire-prevention rules and led PG&E to file Chapter 11 bankruptcy in January 2019, later settling claims for $13.5 billion.

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Story summary

Governor Tim Walz toured Two Harbors on May 18 to assess damage from the Stewart Trail wildfire.
The fire, sparked by a power line on May 15, burned 356 acres, destroyed 34 structures—including eight homes—and was declared fully contained on May 19.
State officials lifted Crow Wing County’s evacuation order, reduced Lake County’s zone as containment hit 60% and 100%, and kept U.S. Highway 61 closed between the Stewart River and the Silver Cliff Tunnel.

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