April 7 – An early afternoon fire caused extensive damage to the iconic International Falls Band Shell located in Smokey Bear Park. The fire was reported shortly after 1:00 p.m. Because the structure was made mostly of wood, the fire spread quickly and was difficult to bring under control. Fire crews were on the scene for five hours and according to the International Falls Fire Department, the cause of the fire was determined to be incendiary. The fire remains under investigation by the International Falls Fire Department, International Falls Police Department, and the Minnesota State Fire Marshal’s Office.
