Full Breakdown
Stewart Trail Fire Near Two Harbors, Minnesota: Containment, Damage, and Ongoing Response
5/20/2026, 2:19:58 AM
Fire Overview
The Stewart Trail Fire ignited on May 15 2024, roughly three miles north of Two Harbors along Lake County Highway 3 and U.S. Highway 61. By the following Monday, the Minnesota Incident Command System (MNICS) reported the blaze had been fully contained, while earlier updates listed containment at 30 % and later at 62 %. The fire consumed between 350 and 376 acres, destroying 34 structures—eight primary buildings and 26 outbuildings. Highway 61 remains closed between the Stewart River and the Silver Cliff Tunnel, with a detour routed through Silver Bay.
Background & Cause
Initial investigations listed the fire’s cause as “unknown.” Subsequent MNICS findings, released on May 18, identified a power line as the ignition source. The shift from an undetermined cause to a confirmed power-line origin reflects the evolving nature of the investigation.
Timeline of Key Developments
- May 15 (Friday): Fire detected near Highway 61; 0 % containment.
- May 16 (Saturday): Acreage estimated at 350-376 acres; containment at 30 %.
- May 17 (Sunday): Containment still 30 %; 34 structures confirmed lost.
- May 18 (Monday): MNICS reports 62 % containment; power-line cause announced; Gov. Tim Walz visits Two Harbors.
- May 19 (Tuesday): MNICS announces 100 % containment; evacuation zones partially reduced; Highway 61 closure persists.
Impact Data
- Acreage burned: 350-376 acres (sources vary).
- Structures destroyed: 34 (8 homes, 26 outbuildings).
- Containment progress: 0 % -> 30 % -> 62 % -> 100 % (conflicting reports).
- Personnel: Approximately 108 responders (MNICS) and 77 firefighters (Fox 9 report).
- Road closures: Highway 61 between Stewart River and Silver Cliff Tunnel; detour via Silver Bay.
Official Statements & Responses
State and local agencies emphasized coordinated action. MNICS highlighted “excellent progress” in suppressing flames and securing hotspots. Governor Tim Walz praised first-responders, stating the multi-agency effort “has made a real difference” and pledged continued support for recovery. Lake County officials confirmed the activation of the “Ready, Set, Go” evacuation notification system and the reduction of portions of the evacuation zone as conditions improved.
Public Concerns
Residents expressed anxiety over prolonged evacuations and restricted access to property. The ongoing highway closure disrupted travel and commerce, prompting calls for timely reopening once safety could be assured.
On-the-Ground Accounts
Lake County Sheriff Nathan Stadler described the situation as “stressful for residents… our teams are working around the clock to keep people safe.” He thanked mutual-aid partners, noting that “we could not have done this without them.”
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
- Containment levels: Reported at 30 %, 62 %, and 100 % across different dates.
- Acreage burned: Estimates range from 350 to 376 acres.
- Cause: Early reports listed the cause as unknown; later statements identified a power line.
These discrepancies illustrate the fluid nature of wildfire reporting and the need for ongoing verification.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Being here in Two Harbors, I'm grateful for the progress first responders have made to contain these fires and protect lives,” — Gov. Tim Walz
- “We have a number of agencies responding to help communities with the ongoing wildfires up north, including the DNR, MnDOT, and DPS,” — Gov. Tim Walz (social media)
- “Structure protection will continue throughout the affected area.” — MNICS spokesperson
- “We could not have done this without them.” — Sheriff Nathan Stadler
What’s Next
Lake County will allow escorted property-owner access to evacuated homes on May 18, pending proof of residency. Fire crews will continue mop-up operations, monitor for residual hotspots, and assess the feasibility of reopening Highway 61. Weather forecasts predict up to one inch of rain, which could aid final suppression efforts.
