The day before Christmas, Dec. 24, fire destroyed a small, unoccupied structure two miles east of Grand Marais on the upper side of Highway 61.
Responding to the fire at 7:28 p.m. was the Cook County Sheriff ’s Office, Grand Marais Fire Department, Colvill Fire Department, Maple Hill Fire Department and the Minnesota State Patrol.
“Upon arrival, there was a small cabin (the former Smith Bait Shop) in front of the house that had flames shooting out of the chimney and the wall next to the chimney. Seconds later the cabin was engulfed in fire,” stated Valerie Marasco, Cook County director, Office of Emergency Management & Public Information.
Heat from the fire melted the siding of the main house and it was falling off, but the house did not start on fire, said Marasco. Residents from the main house were evacuated along with some pets, with no injuries to responders or the public.
Marasco said the property owner stated a fuel oil furnace heated the cabin. He first noticed the fire when it was coming out of the chimney and called 911. Grand Marais, Colvill and Maple Hill Fire departments responded to put the fire out.
Nothing suspicious was noticed, and the fire looked like it was caused from a chimney fire.
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