February 6 – An early morning fire has destroyed the main lodge at the Lutsen Resort, located along the North Shore of Lake Superior. According to the Cook County Sheriff’s Department, the fire was reported around 12:24 A.M. Employees had noticed smoke coming from the floor of the building. When fire crews arrived, the lodge was engulfed in flames. Firefighters from the Lutsen, Tofte, Grand Marais, Maple Hill, Gunflint, Finland, Silver Bay, and Grand Portage fire departments battled the huge blaze. The building is a total loss. There were no guests at the lodge when the fire broke out. No injuries were reported. The cause of the fire is under investigation by the Minnesota State Fire Marshal’s Office. Photos courtesy of WDIO-TV and Kate Batten (bottom photo).
