Sheriff Says News Release Worded “Incorrectly,” Lutsen Fire Not a “Crime Scene”

LUTSEN, Minn. — Less than an hour after describing the Lutsen Resort Main Lodge fire, as a crime scene, the Cook County Sheriff’s office said it is not a crime scene.

In response to an email from FOX21, Sheriff Pat Eliasen replied, “It is not a crime scene. The release was worded incorrectly. We are sorry for the confusion…the release was meant to keep people out of the immediate area.”

The initial press release and wording came from the Minnesota State Fire Marshal’s Office and the Cook County Sheriff’s Office.

The initial announcement came late Friday afternoon.

The correction from the Sheriff came an hour later.

An initial joint press release warned people in the area and the general public to stay away.

The release said in part, “You may not enter without permission. Sheriff’s Deputies will be patrolling the area, and anyone found inside the taped perimeter will be detained.”

FOX21 called and emailed the Sheriff’s Office and the State Fire Marshal’s asking for additional information and clarification about their initial press release describing the fire as a “crime scene.”

It was in an email response to those questions that Sheriff Eliasen said the release was worded incorrectly and that the goal was to keep people away from the site.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

Fox 21 will update when more information becomes available.