Update: Evacuation zones and road closures related to the Stewart Trail Fire will be lifted at 12 p.m. as 100% containment level reached
May 19, 2026 12:00PM ● By Content Editor
Photo: MNICS
By Laura Durenberger-Grunow - Boreal Community Media - Updated 11:50 a.m., May 19, 2026
Lake County officials have announced that the evacuation orders and road closures related to the Stewart Lake Fire will be lifted at 12 p.m. on Monday, May 19. The announcement came around 11:30 a.m., with an official notice scheduled to be sent to those in Lake County at noon.
Related: After the Stewart Trail Fire, in photos
Original post:
As of approximately midnight, the National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC) and InciWeb reported that the Stewart Lake Fire, which began on Friday due to a power line, was 100% contained. Around 7:55 a.m., the NIFC listed the fire at 375 acres; however, the Minnesota Incident Command System (MNICS) reports that, as of 8:05 a.m., the fire is 356 acres. 68 firefighters continue to work on suppressing the fire.
In its last listed update this morning, the MNICS said that on Monday, crews cut down hazard trees, checked sections for residual heat, and created an additional 60 ft buffer of the entire perimeter to "prevent hot spots from reigniting."
Evacuations are still in place; however, crews are working to create stable enough conditions to allow residents to return to their properties. 34 structures have been lost, including 8 primary and 26 outbuildings, according to the MNICS.
Highway 61 is still closed between the Stewart River and the Silver Cliff Tunnel.
Yesterday, Governor Tim Walz, who on May 17 activated the National Guard at the request of the DNR to assist with fire suppression and emergency response efforts, traveled to the area to meet with emergency responders and local officials. On Facebook, Governor Walz said, "The state will provide every resource we can to help communities recover and rebuild."
After the visit, he said, "Grateful for the coordination between the DNR, the Minnesota Interagency Fire Center, and other state and local agencies supporting suppression and displaced residents."
As of Wednesday morning, the fire will be transitioned back to management with the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources unit, the MNICS said.
By Laura Durenberger-Grunow - Boreal Community Media - Updated 11:50 a.m., May 19, 2026
Lake County officials have announced that the evacuation orders and road closures related to the Stewart Lake Fire will be lifted at 12 p.m. on Monday, May 19. The announcement came around 11:30 a.m., with an official notice scheduled to be sent to those in Lake County at noon.
Related: After the Stewart Trail Fire, in photos
Officials warned that those returning to evacuated areas should exercise caution and that firefighters may still be conducting operations in the affected areas.
For the most up-to-date road conditions, visit 511mn.org.
For the most up-to-date road conditions, visit 511mn.org.
Original post:
As of approximately midnight, the National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC) and InciWeb reported that the Stewart Lake Fire, which began on Friday due to a power line, was 100% contained. Around 7:55 a.m., the NIFC listed the fire at 375 acres; however, the Minnesota Incident Command System (MNICS) reports that, as of 8:05 a.m., the fire is 356 acres. 68 firefighters continue to work on suppressing the fire.
In its last listed update this morning, the MNICS said that on Monday, crews cut down hazard trees, checked sections for residual heat, and created an additional 60 ft buffer of the entire perimeter to "prevent hot spots from reigniting."
Evacuations are still in place; however, crews are working to create stable enough conditions to allow residents to return to their properties. 34 structures have been lost, including 8 primary and 26 outbuildings, according to the MNICS.
Highway 61 is still closed between the Stewart River and the Silver Cliff Tunnel.
Yesterday, Governor Tim Walz, who on May 17 activated the National Guard at the request of the DNR to assist with fire suppression and emergency response efforts, traveled to the area to meet with emergency responders and local officials. On Facebook, Governor Walz said, "The state will provide every resource we can to help communities recover and rebuild."
After the visit, he said, "Grateful for the coordination between the DNR, the Minnesota Interagency Fire Center, and other state and local agencies supporting suppression and displaced residents."
As of Wednesday morning, the fire will be transitioned back to management with the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources unit, the MNICS said.
