Public Safety

Lightning Damages Steeple of Hope City Church, Leaves Building Structurally Unsound

Due to the amount of debris and the building's structural concerns, streets will remained closed to vehicular traffic over Saturday night.

DULUTH, Minn.- A lightning strike damaged both a Duluth church and a nearby water main during thunderstorms Saturday night, and officials are monitoring the structure overnight. According to a spokesperson with the Duluth Fire Department, at approximately 7:45 p.m., crews responded to Hope City Church at 417 North 3rd Avenue East, after a recording party said that the church had…

Greenwood Fire Won’t Be ‘Extinguished’ Until Snow Falls

The fire was estimated at 25,991 acres Thursday.

NEAR ISABELLA, Minn.,- For those who thought the incoming rain would help fight the Greenwood wildfire, officials Thursday said it’ll be snow that likely provides the moisture needed to bring the almost 26,000-acre fire down. “And this’ll be a long-term incident, of course,” Incident Commander Brian Pisarek said. “Put this out as probably snowfall as what’s gonna extinguish it, in…

Greenwood Fire Destroys Nearly 70 Structures In McDougal Lake Area

No injuries have been reported so far.

The Greenwood Fire’s devastating destruction became very real Wednesday evening as officials released how many structures were damaged or destroyed in the McDougal Lake area. According to the Superior National Forest Service, the Cook County Sheriff’s Office has counted 12 cabins and homes destroyed by fire and nearly 60 outbuildings, like sheds, also destroyed. Three other primary structures, like cabins…

Wildfires Continue to Destroy Forest, Evacuation Sites Prepare for those Escaping

BABBITT, Minn.– The Greenwood fire is still burning through the Northland, and shows no signs of stopping any time soon as dry weather conditions continue. The Red Cross evacuation site in Finland packed up yesterday, and relocated to Babbitt, about an hour and a half North West to respond to the demand of resources needed there. What was formerly going…

Finland Evacuation Site Moves to Babbitt as Wildfire Shifts

FINLAND, Minn.– The Red Cross’ evacuation site at the Finland Community Center relocated today to Babbitt, as demand for services has shifted with the greenwood fire. Forest Service officials tell us the weather patterns today were volatile, pushing the fire to move more North West. The new evacuation site in Babbitt is providing food and water, medical help, and in…

Officials Update Greenwood Fire Mapping, Plan Public Meeting For Monday

FINLAND, Minn. — A public meeting is scheduled for Monday at 6 p.m. where officials will provide updates on the Greenwood Fire, as well as the fires burning in the Superior National Forest which have caused the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness to close. Presentations will be given by the Forest Service, the Incident Command Team, and the local sheriff….

BWCAW Closed for One Week Due to Multiple Wildfires, Limited Resources

Crews haven't seen a full closure of the BWCAW in more than 40 years.

DULUTH, Minn.- The Superior National Forest closed the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW) Saturday, due to active and increasing fire activity, extreme drought, and limited resources. The closure will be in place for seven days and may be modified or extended as conditions allow. “A full-on, a full closure of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness that is, that’s…

Update: Greenwood Fire Nears 10K Acres, Containment Remains at 0%

The fire received minimal precipitation Friday night. Crews anticipate that winds capable of producing active fire behavior will continue. 

Photo: Superior National Forest SOUTH OF ISABELLA, Minn.- Crews continue battling the Greenwood Fire as it grew to 9,062 acres Saturday morning after minimal precipitation and high winds overnight, according to the U.S. Forest Service-Superior National Forest. On Saturday, operations staff will reinforce the southern line of the fire in the area of Hwy 2 and the McDougal Lake area….

Duluth Fire Responds To Overturned Sailboat off Park Point

The boat belonged to the Duluth Superior Sailing Association, and officials there said they train young sailors how to overturn a flipped boat.

DULUTH, Minn.- Wind gusts over 30 miles an hour Sunday made sailing a little difficult, resulting in a water emergency call on the bay-side of Park Point. According to a spokesperson with the Duluth Fire Department Marine 1 and Marine 19 responded to a sailboat that flipped with the report of a person struggling in the water. The boat belonged…

Range Fire Departments Train with Simulated Structure, Wildland Fire

According to Friends of the Northland Firewire, organizers said the simulated structure and wildland fire in Eagles Nest Township also included the evacuation of area residents

EAGLES NEXT TWP, Minn.- Fire departments in and around Eagles Nest Township Minnesota worked on their firefighting and evacuation skills in simulated training Sunday. According to Friends of the Northland Firewire, organizers said the simulated structure and wildland fire in Eagles Nest Township also included the evacuation of area residents. Eagles Nest fire officials told the Firewire that a key…

Law Enforcement Paws Take to the Field for Operation K-9

The dogs showed off what they would do in the field like finding explosives, searching a vehicle for drugs, and taking down suspects.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- The community was able to get a front-row seat to the amazing talents and skills of the Northland’s top dogs, who showed how they help serve and protect at this year’s Operation K-9 at UWS. 14 K-9s and their handlers from St. Louis and Douglas County Sheriff’s Offices and the Duluth, Superior, and Hermantown Police Departments took part…

St. Louis County Public Health Brings COVID Vaccine Clinics to College Campuses

DULUTH, Minn.- The college of St. Scholastica in Duluth and St. Louis County Public health is teaming up to make getting the COVID vaccine more convenient with on-campus vaccine clinics. “So we really want to be able to provide vaccines right where they are at,” said Public Health Nurse Emily Lian. “That’s kinda been public health’s perspective on vaccines in…

Evers OKs Use-Of-Force Bill, Vetoes Plan To Defund Cities

(Steve Apps/Wisconsin State Journal via AP, File) MADISON, Wis. (AP) – Gov. Tony Evers has signed a bill that establishes a uniform use-of-force policy for police across Wisconsin. Evers announced he signed the bill on Friday. Under the bill, police can use force based on a situation’s circumstances and whether a suspect is fleeing or resisting arrest. Deadly force is…

WWJC Christian Radio Heavily Damaged in Structure Fire

Damage in equipment alone is estimated at over $500,000. Damage costs to the structure are estimated to be around $75,000.

DULUTH, Minn.- A Duluth Christian radio station was left heavily damaged in a structure Sunday, with the cause unknown, according to the Duluth Fire Department. According to a spokesperson with the department, at approximately 3:08 a.m. Sunday morning someone driving by reported that flames were coming from the building housing WWJC AM 850 Radio at 1120 East McCuen Street. On…

Duluth Fire Rescues 20-Year-Old Woman from Rip Currents off Park Point

Two rescue swimmers from rescue 1 were able to use a rescue surfboard to reach the victim, and help her to shore.

DULUTH, Minn.- A 20-year-old woman was swept up in those violent waves Saturday and had to be rescued by the Duluth fire Department. Fire officials responded to the report of a woman pulled away 200 yards from shore on the 2800 block of Minnesota Ave around 4:00 p.m. The water was actually too choppy to use the Marine 19 boat,…

Entertainment Venues and Tourist Locations Requiring Masks

DULUTH, Minn.– Event venues and tourist destinations around the city of Duluth are adjusting their mask protocol along with county recommendations, but that is not preventing business from going on. Indoor mask requirements are slowly being introduced in various businesses around the city, and the Zeitgeist Arts Café, which hosts a variety of performances and events, is following along. “The…

St. Luke’s Announces COVID-19 Vaccine Policy For All Workers

DULUTH, Minn. — St. Luke’s announced late Wednesday that all of its employees, vendors, volunteers and board members will be required to get the COVID-19 vaccine completed by Oct. 1. The only exception to the rule involves employees who can’t take the shot for medical or religious reasons.   Those individuals need to file an exemption by Sept. 1 and also…

K-12 Prepares for Return to School with Guidelines

ST. LOUIS COUNTY, Minn.– As the school year approaches, many have questions about how COVID protocols are going to come into play. Wednesday we spoke with a couple different superintendents around Saint Louis County to find out what their plan is. Duluth and Hermantown superintendents have a similar approach when it comes to planning for the Fall, but as of…

Local Restaurants Encourage Mask Recommendations to Customers

DULUTH, Minn.– With the mask recommendation in effect, local restaurants also encourage face coverings when indoors. This adds another challenge to the way businesses are operating this summer aside from staffing shortages and altered hours of operation due to the shortages. But the President of the Duluth Local Restaurant Association feels like our restaurants are up to the challenge. “People…

More Bears Are Stealing Food From Campers As Drought Impacts Berry Supply In Northern Minnesota

(FOX 9) – As drought conditions linger in Minnesota, Superior National Forest is warning campers to secure their food as reports of bears seeking out food from humans are on the rise. According to wildlife officials, the drought has led to a poor berry crop, a major food source for black bears. As a result, the forest has seen increased incidents of…

Duluth Police: Suspect Arrested Following Shooting, ‘Short Standoff’

Investigators said the 46-year-old shot at someone after a dispute before walking to his home where a standoff ensued.

DULUTH, Minn.- One male suspect is in custody following an early morning shooting in Duluth’s Spirit Valley neighborhood, and a standoff in Morgan Park Saturday, according to the Duluth Police Department. According to a spokesperson with the Department, around 2:30 a.m. Saturday officers responded to a report of a shooting in the 4700 block of Grand Ave. At the scene,…

Family’s Newly Purchased Home Among Extensive Storm Damage In Grand Rapids

Wind speeds during Monday night’s storms clocked in between 70 and 80 miles an hour in Grand Rapids, snapping trees and power poles and damaging homes.

GRAND RAPIDS, Minn.- Wind speeds during Monday night’s storms clocked in between 70 and 80 miles an hour in Grand Rapids, snapping trees and power poles and damaging homes – some where families just moved in. “It’s kind of unbelievable that’s for sure,” said Emily Major. The storm — and a big hole in the roof — was definitely not…

Duluth Police Union Calls Lack Of Qualified Officer Candidates A ‘Crisis’

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth’s police union is calling the struggle to hire qualified officers a “crisis” for the police department and the city. In a post on Local 807’s Facebook page, the union said they recently were not able to fill all open police officer positions because there weren’t enough qualified candidates interested in working for the Duluth Police Department….

Biker Crashes on Trail in Duluth

DULUTH, Minn.– The Duluth Fire Department responded to a 54 year-old female that had fallen from her bike, on a steep trail in the 40th Avenue West and Skyline Parkway area. The patient was brought to safety and was conscious upon transportation to a local hospital for examination. Duluth firefighters add to always remain cautious on the trails and to…

UPDATE: Investigators Determine Man Accidentally Shot Self, Duluth Police Say

Efforts are underway to recover the firearm. There is no danger to the public.

DULUTH, Minn.- Duluth Police have determined it was an accidental self-inflicted gunshot wound that sent a man to the hospital Thursday evening. According to a post on the Department Facebook page at 10:50 p.m., investigators determined that the 35-year-old male victim was traveling in a vehicle when the discharge of the firearm occurred. They learned the gunshot wound was accidentally…

Car Seat Clinics Push for Proper Installation, Usage

Organizers say 3 out of 4 car seats are not used or installed correctly, which can result in injuries to a child if an accident were to occur.

DULUTH, Minn.- The Duluth Fire Department and St. Luke’s Hospital are teaming up over the next few months to educate parents on car seat safety. Car seat clinics will be going on at different fire stations throughout Duluth. Organizers say 3 out of 4 car seats are not used or installed correctly, which can result in injuries to a child…

DECC Ammonia Leak Highlights Building’s Aging Equipment

Duluth Fire officials said their brand new Hazmat 31 rig and its state-of-the-art tech was integral in their response.

DULUTH, Minn.- The DECC’s public spaces were clear of ammonia and safe to enter Wednesday, after a major leak overnight. DECC officials say it’s the result of the convention center’s aging infrastructure that needs serious investment. “Went through the lion’s share of the building with a reader to see if any of the ammonia smell was around anymore and the…

Suspect Charged, New Details Revealed In Superior Drive-By Shooting

Surveillance images of Raeqwon Hawkins released by Superior Police Department before the arrest. SUPERIOR, Wis. – We’re learning more about what all went down involving a June drive-by shooting in downtown Superior. Raeqwon Jay Hawkins Raeqwon Jay Hawkins, 24, of Superior is now charged as being the shooter in the drive-by. The crime happened around 10:40 p.m. June 17 in…

Fire at AmericInn Hotel Still Under Investigation

PROCTOR, Minn.– An investigation is underway in Proctor after fire broke out this morning at a hotel in town. Crews responded to the AmericInn Hotel around 10:45 AM on Monday morning along US highway 2, near Blackwoods. The hotel was fully booked at the time, but everyone was evacuated safely with no injuries. The flames were limited to the exterior…

Employee Stabbed ‘Multiple Times’ In Babbitt, 2 Arrested

"The victim and the suspect were acquainted," according to Police Chief Mike McGregor.

BABBITT, Minn. – Police in Babbitt have arrested two men after a woman was stabbed multiple times Saturday evening inside a local business. Police Chief Mike McGregor says the call for help came in around 7:45 p.m. Saturday. While officers were responding to the scene, a shooting was reported in the same area.  McGregor said nobody was shot and both…

Hibbing Police K9 Ready For A&E’s ‘America’s Top Dog’

HIBBING, Minn. (FOX 9) – Chase, a police K9 from Hibbing, Minnesota is one of 16 Police K9s selected to compete in this season of A&E’s competition show “America’s Top Dog.” Chase was selected out of thousands of dogs after his handler, Hibbing Police Officer Joey Burns, put in an application after watching an episode of the show. “I was sitting there…

Fire Destroys Gazebo, Two Buildings at Resort on Lake Vermillion

Life Of Riley Resort ST. LOUIS COUNTY, Minn.- A structure fire Sunday at a resort on Lake Vermillion destroyed two buildings, according to the St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office. Life of Riley Resort The Sheriff’s Office responded to a structure fire at the Life of Riley Resort around 1:17 a.m. Sunday. According to authorities, the fire started in a resort…

Cloquet Police: Armed Suspect Threatens Residents of Home, Shoots Himself Following Standoff with Officers

No officers on scene were injured, nor did they discharge their firearms. 

CLOQUET, Minn.- After an hours long standoff with police Saturday, an man who entered a home and threatened residents with a gun in Cloquet shot himself, according to the Cloquet Police Department. Officers responded to a home on Ridge Road in Cloquet around 10:19 a.m. Saturday, on a report of a 20-year-old man armed with a gun who entered the…

St. Louis, Carlton County 911 Lines Down Due to Power Outage

St. Louis County 911 can be reached at 218-625-3581, and Carlton County at 218-451-6843.

UPDATE: The 911 system for St Louis County is now operational and functioning properly. Most phones lines in Carlton County are now working. The cities of Kettle river and Wright are working on a limited capacity and will still need to use an alternate number of 218-384-4185 or 218-451-6843 if they can not get through to 911 with cell or…

City Urges Public to be Aware of Swim Condition Warnings

DULUTH, Minn.– Last year there were 25 water emergencies through the city of Duluth, and this year there are already 20. But with two of the most recent happening last week, the Duluth Fire Department and Park Point lifeguards who are urging swimmers to be aware of quickly changing conditions. In one of the most common areas for rip currents…

Superior Police, Douglas County Sheriff’s Office Use Old Motel For SWAT Training

The Superior Fire Department will conduct fire training at the Manning Wednesday.

SUPERIOR, Wis.-The old Manning Motel in Superior’s Billings Park neighborhood turned into an explosive training ground for Superior and Douglas County SWAT teams. A loud boom shook the property, as Superior PD and Douglas County Sheriff’s Office tactical teams practiced an explosive breach of one of the doors at the motel.  The site was purchased by Kari Toyota to be…