Wildfire near Two Harbors keeps evacuations and Highway 61 closures in effect

Evacuation orders and the closure of Highway 61 north of Two Harbors remain in effect Saturday as the Stewart Trail wildfire continues to burn.

The wildfire began Friday, three miles north of Two Harbors, and has grown to 376 acres as of Saturday morning. The cause of the fire is unknown and under investigation, according to fire officials with the Minnesota Incident Management System (MNICS).

Late Friday evening, around 8:50 p.m., fire officials estimated the wildfire had grown to 500 acres. Overnight, however, firefighters were able to conduct a more accurate assessment and update perimeter maps to reflect the wildfire’s size at 376 acres.

Firefighters are working to establish a containment line around the fire with handlines and heavy equipment, said MNICS. The wildfire remains at 0% containment. Numerous aircraft provided water and fire-retardant drops, including helicopters, scooper planes, and a single-engine airtanker.

Local fire departments are continuing to work on structure protection along the Highway 61 corridor. Fire officials said, “Structure protection will continue throughout the affected area.”

Highway 61 remains closed due to wildfire impacts, and heavy smoke is prevalent in the vicinity. Highway 61 is closed at County Highway 2 and at West Castle Danger Road. A detour has been set up from Silver Bay to Two Harbors for those who need to travel around the area.

A graphic of the detour is below. The public is asked to follow the detour around Highway 61 and stay out of the closure area.

Highway 61 detour | 511mn.org

Fire officials said crews will continue to assess and improve the hand line created and the fire break built on Friday around the southwest side of the fire. Additional crews will assess the containment line along the western side of the fire and put out any hotspots. Heavy equipment will be used on the north side of the fire to increase containment.

Lake County has implemented the Ready, Set, Go evacuation notification plan. Current evacuation information can be found on the Lake County  Fire Evacuation | Lake County Atlas Parcel Viewer.

Dry and windy conditions continue along the North Shore on Saturday. Fire officials said burning restrictions remain in effect for Lake County, and burning of large vegetative debris is not allowed.

Kalli Hawkins May 16, 2026