July 3 – A semi tractor truck fire and gasoline tanker spill this afternoon resulted in the closing of Minnesota Highway 169, about two miles west of Ely. The incident was reported around 2:15 p.m. when the brakes of the semi truck caught fire. The driver of truck was able to uncouple the tanker from the burning vehicle, however the tanker hit the ground, rupturing a 3,400 gallon pocket containing gasoline. Morse-Fall Lake Fire Chief Ted Krueger told The Northland Fire Wire that approximately 350 gallons were spilled and that local road construction equipment was used to help contain the spill. The remaining gasoline was transferred to another tanker truck. The highway was closed down for over six hours. No injuries were reported, but the semi truck was extensively damaged. The Morse-Fall Lake and Ely fire departments were on the scene. The semi tractor truck and trailer were heading to Ely when the incident occurred. Photos provided by Morse-Fall Lake Fire Chief Ted Krueger.
