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From the St. Louis County Sheriff's Office - Updated May 18, 2026. Original post May 16, 2026


Update from the St. Louis County Sheriff's Office - May 18, 2026:

During the investigation into the fire bomber being struck by gunfire while assisting on a wildfire, a suspect was developed and identified as Daniel Christian Pettit, 48 of Orr.  Pettit was taken into custody in the evening of 5/17/2026 at his residence, in Portage Township (outside of Orr).  Pettit is currently being held at the St. Louis County jail on charges of Reckless Discharge of a firearm, Second Degree Assault and Felony criminal damage to property in connection to this incident.  

A search warrant was executed at his residence in Portage Township on the 3500 Block of the Orr Buyck Rd.  During the search warrant several firearms as well as ammunition was seized.  

The pilot did not sustain any injuries from this incident.  Investigators do not believe there is any ongoing threat to the public and want to remind the public that interfering with firefighting aircraft places pilots, firefighters, and the public at significant risk.

The St. Louis County Sheriff's office is being assisted in this investigation by the FAA, FBI, MN DNR, MN BCA, Minnesota State Patrol, Duluth PD and Superior PD.  

Original post: 

On May 15, 2026, approximately 4:00 PM, St Louis County deputies and several state, local and federal firefighting resources responded to the report of a wildland fire in Portage Township, which is located approximately 15 miles north Orr, Minnesota. 

Two single engine, Air Tractor, fire suppression aircraft, operating under contract of the MN DNR, were also dispatched to the fire. 

Ground and air resources worked the fire for several hours. 

Upon the aircraft’s return to the Hibbing Airport, it was determined that one of them appears to have been struck by a bullet. 

The aircraft landed safely and thankfully the pilot was not injured. 

It is believed that the aircraft was struck by a bullet after scooping water from Kjostad Lake around 7 PM. 

The St. Louis County Sheriff's Office is asking anyone with information, who can remain anonymous if they wish, to call 911 and reference case number 26066433.