Structure fire destroys wood chip building in Grand Portage

Kalli Hawkins | March 2, 2024

A structure fire occurred in Grand Portage near the Grand Portage Lodge & Casino in the late evening hours on Feb. 29.

According to the Cook County Sheriff’s Office, the fire happened at the wood chip building next to the casino that is used to store the chips for heating.

When fire crews arrived on the scene, the structure was fully engulfed.

The Cook County Sheriff’s Office said the responding on-scene deputy said the fire appeared to be accidental.

The cause of the fire is unknown at this time. No injuries were reported.

There was still visible smoke at the structure as of noon on March 2. Staff at the Grand Portage Lodge & Casino told WTIP that the fire could have been much worse, but thankfully the high winds experienced earlier in the week had died down that night.

WTIP reached out to the Grand Portage Tribal Council and the Grand Portage Fire Department and is waiting to hear back.