Stewart Trail Fire fully contained after recent rain, crews continue mop-up efforts

The Stewart Trail Fire north of Two Harbors is now 100% contained following days of suppression efforts and recent precipitation, fire officials announced late Monday evening.

Fire crews made notable progress over the weekend in securing containment lines and reducing fire activity within the interior of the fire perimeter, officials with the Minnesota Incident Command System (MNICS) said.

“We were fortunate to get some rain on it,” said Aaron Mielke, fire program forester with the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources based in the Grand Marais office. “Which should really help with the mop-up efforts and getting the rest of the heat that’s out there out.”

Mielke and several others from the Grand Marais DNR office and the Grand Marais Fire Department assisted with wildfire suppression efforts over the weekend. Containment refers to the status of suppression of the fire perimeter, where a containment line has been established, such as a hand line dug by firefighters or a heavy equipment that is used to stop the fire’s spread.

Firefighter working to suppress the Stewart Trail Fire | Contributed by MNICS

Fire officials updated the estimated size of the Stewart Trail Fire to 356 acres. The wildfire has destroyed 34 structures, and MNICS officials said the fire was caused by a power line.

As of Tuesday morning, Highway 61 remains closed between 4th Street in Two Harbors and Outer Drive in Silver Bay. A detour remains in place but may be lifted around 8 p.m. on Tuesday evening, according to the Minnesota Department of Transportation. View the latest on 511mn.org.

Fire crews will continue to monitor and mop up areas within the interior of the fire perimeter on Tuesday.

“A huge thank you goes out to all of the brave men and women who were out there fighting this fire and minimizing the loss,” the Lake County Chamber of Commerce said in a Tuesday Facebook post. “Also, thank you to the businesses that stepped up in a time of need. It’s always amazing to see how quickly our community bands together to help one another.”

Several Two Harbors businesses also shared their appreciation for the fire crews that responded to the Stewart Trail Fire.

“We also want to give a HUGE thank you to all the firefighters, first responders, law enforcement, emergency crews, and everyone working behind the scenes who did everything they could to keep people, homes, and our community safe,” the Rustic Inn Cafe and Gifts said in a Facebook post.

Staff at the Rustic Inn Cafe were among the property owners who lost their homes in the Stewart Trail Fire. The business shared a GoFundMe on its Facebook page to help LouAnn and Rick Johnson and their family after losing their home in the wildfire.

Since the wildfire began on Friday, businesses such as Castle Danger Brewery, Do North Pizzeria, and others have offered space and food to those affected by the wildfire and for the firefighters.

“It always amazes me how the communities and small businesses on the North Shore pull together in a crisis,” Do North Pizzeria Two Harbors said in a Facebook post.

Flanders Fire

Farther west, fire crews are still battling the Flanders Fire near Breezy Point, which as of Monday evening had burned 1,666 acres. The cooler temperatures, lighter winds, and higher relative humidity have helped fire crews in suppressing the wildfire. As of Monday evening, the fire is 60% contained.

“Crews will return to work on securing and improving the fire lines again on Tuesday, ” MNICS officials said.

Kalli Hawkins May 19, 2026