Firefighters responding to woodpile and grass fire west of Grand Marais

Firefighters are on scene of an approximately one acre active woodpile and grass fire west of Grand Marais.

The Grand Marais Fire Department, Maple Hill Fire Department, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources officials, and the Cook County Sheriff’s Office responded to a call about a woodpile fire at 2437 W Highway 61 at 4:43 p.m. on Friday evening. The property is approximately 2.5 miles west of Grand Marais.

The fire spread from the woodpile to the surrounding grass and brush. The woodpile is approximately 20 feet from the property owners house.

The cause of the woodpile fire is unknown at this time.

At 5:24 p.m. there were still active flames in the grass, but officials on scene said the fire was showing signs of slowing down.

At 5:33 p.m. officials on scene said the fire is mostly contained and the approximate burn scar was one and half acres.

Dry conditions across much of northeastern Minnesota continued on Friday, Mar. 22, leading to near-critical fire weather conditions. The National Weather Service released a special weather statement on Friday, Mar. 22 stating relative humidity values between 15 and 25 percent and northwest winds gusting into the lower teens. The conditions could lead to the rapid spread of fires.

Check back for updates.

Kalli Hawkins March 22, 2024