Fire crews responding to wildfire near Two Harbors, leading to closure of Highway 61

Updated 5 p.m.

Firefighters and law enforcement are responding to a wildfire near Two Harbors that has destroyed multiple structures and led to the closure of Highway 61.

The Steward Trail wildfire began Friday afternoon, approximately three miles north of Two Harbors. At approximately 4 p.m. fire crews reported the wildfire was on both sides of Highway 61. The Steward Trail fire is estimated at 50 acres and is 0% contained, according to the Minnesota Incident Command.

Highway 61 is impacted by heavy smoke and the public is asked to avoid traveling through the area for their safety and the safety of fire personnel.

Fire crews and law enforcement are conducting evacuations from homes in the surrounding vicinity of the wildfire. There is an active evacuation order for the following areas: Central Castle Danger, East Silver Creek, Flood Bay, Fors, South Castle Danger. View the evacuation order map here.

A graphic from the Minnesota Department of Transportation 511mn.org of the closure is below: 

Agencies responding to the Stewart Trail Fire are the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR), U.S. Forest Service, local fire departments and the St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office.

Another wildfire began on Friday in northern Minnesota amid dry conditions and red flag warnings. Fire crews near Gilbert are responding to a wildfire estimated to be at 25 acres and 0% contained. Minnesota Highway 135 is impacted and the public is asked to avoid the area for their safety and the safety of fire personnel.

Kalli Hawkins May 15, 2026