Area fire departments responding to structure fire at Caribou Highlands in Lutsen
Updated at 8:01 p.m.
Shortly before 2 p.m. on March 16 Lutsen and Tofte Volunteer Fire Departments, along with North Shore Ambulance, were paged to respond to a structure fire on Moose Mountain Dr in Lutsen. According to Caribou Highlands Lodge Marketing Director Aaron Bosanko, the fire impacted three of the lodge’s executive townhomes.
In addition to Lutsen Fire and Tofte Fire, Grand Marais Fire was added to the call to provide mutual aid.
The fire began as a chimney fire before being upgraded to a structure fire in a multi-unit building. Bosanko told WTIP that at this time the lodge is unable to share a confirmed cause of the fire.
Several people needed to be evacuated, though by 2:10 p.m. it was confirmed that all occupants had safely left the building. Nearby buildings on Moose Mountain Rd were also evacuated, though there have not been any reports of the fire spreading to other buildings.
The extent of the damage to the impacted townhomes is unknown at this time.
North Shore Ambulance remained on standby for possible aid for first responders while the fire scene was active.
Emergency responders directed traffic around the area.
At 3:06 p.m. a request for mutual aid from Silver Bay Fire was cancelled, because the fire fighters already on the scene were keeping the fire under control.
At roughly 7 p.m., Bosanko said Caribou Highlands was notified that the fire was completely contained.
This is an ongoing story and WTIP will provide updates as they become available.
Kirsten Wisniewski March 16, 2026
