Minnesota wildfires: Stewart Trail Fire containment grows to 62% as Gov. Walz plans visit

MN wildfires: Crews working to contain active fires

Fire crews are working to contain at least two active wildfires in Minnesota, the Flanders Fire in Crow Wing County and the Stewart Trail Fire in Two Harbors. FOX 9’s meteorologist Cody Matz has the latest. 

TWO HARBORS, Minn. (FOX 9) - As firefighters continue making progress on the Stewart Trail wildfire near Two Harbors, Gov. Tim Walz is scheduled to meet with first responders and survey the fire damage Monday afternoon.

The wildfire, which started May 15 about 3 miles north of Two Harbors, has burned 355 acres and is now 62% contained. The fire has destroyed 34 structures, including eight primary structures and 26 outbuildings.

The Minnesota Incident Command System (MNICS) said the cause of the fire was determined to be a power line. 

Stewart Trail Fire containment efforts, road closures

Local perspective:

In an update Monday morning, MNICS said fire crews have made progress in securing the containment line and reducing fire activity. Firefighters quickly extinguished a small flare-up caused by shifting winds and continued patrolling the fire perimeter overnight for hot spots and flare-ups. 

U.S. Highway 61 remains closed between Stewart River and the Silver Cliff Tunnel. Drivers traveling between Silver Bay and Two Harbors are being directed to use a detour. 

Lake County has also reduced portions of the evacuation zone as fire conditions improve, though the county’s "Ready, Set, Go" evacuation notification system remains in effect. 

Map of Stewart Trail Fire on May 18, 2026.  (Supplied)

Gov. Walz to survey fire damage 

Dig deeper:

Gov. Tim Walz is scheduled to travel to Two Harbors Monday afternoon to receive a briefing from local officials and emergency managers on the Stewart Trail wildfire.

According to the governor’s office, Walz will also meet with first responders and survey damage caused by the fire.