Fatal Mid-Trail area structure fire claims the life of one man and his dog

A structure fire at 11 Poplar Creek Drive in the mid-Gunflint Trail area, was reported at 10:58 p.m., on Dec 28, 2022.

Responding units arrived to find multiple structures engulfed in flames. The reporting party also stated that there was possibly a man and a dog in one of the units. Gunflint Trail Volunteer Fire Department arrived on the scene at 11:29 p.m.

Curry Richard Thompson, age 50, of Cook County, and his dog were victims of the fire.

“It is absolutely devastating to lose a life to fire and our sympathy is with the family of Curry Thompson”, said Sheriff Pat Eliasen.

The investigation has been turned over to the Minnesota State Fire Marshall. The cause of the fire has not yet been determined and investigators will continue to examine the evidence. Responding agencies also included: Cook County Sheriff ’s Office, Maple Hill Fire Volunteer Department, Gunflint Trail Ambulance, and North Shore Health Ambulance.

Crews cleared the scene at 2:41 a.m., after extinguishing all open flames.