Motorists driving between Lutsen and Tofte on Monday, March 19 encountered an alarming sight—a boat on fire on the side of the highway near the Onion River Road. Cook County Law Enforcement received the first call at about 9:51 p.m., reporting that a boat had caught fire on a trailer.
Another call came at 10 p.m., from Lutsen Resort. Security personnel from the resort had also seen the fire and reported that the trailer was disconnected from the vehicle and that passengers were away from the boat. Concern was expressed about the fuel onboard.
Since the first caller wasn’t exactly sure where the boat was, both the Lutsen and Tofte Fire Departments were paged. The Tofte Fire Department arrived first to find the fire somewhat reduced. The driver had attempted to put out the blaze with a fire extinguisher, but since the trailer tires were burning, it was not adequate for the job. The fire department got the fire out, but the boat, a 17-foot aluminum fishing boat, was a complete loss. The boat owner had just purchased the boat that day.
The Lutsen Fire Department also responded and assisted with traffic control. For about an hour, the highway was reduced to one lane of traffic. Both fire departments were clear of the scene by 11:07 p.m.
The fire is believed to have started because of a problem with a tire.
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