Fire was contained, and no injuries were reported

 

On August 10 at 2:08:36 p.m., a call went out to Cook County Law Enforcement dispatch that driftwood was on fire at a residence about eight miles east of Grand Marais along Highway 61. The owner of the house has spent years collecting driftwood and stones from the shore of Lake Superior and used the natural elements to “decorate” his property with these natural artifacts. He also places manufactured items in and amongst the piles of driftwood and stone.

Responding to the small fire was the Colvill and Hovland Fire Department. The first firefighters arrived on the scene about four minutes after being called. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources responded to the blaze as well. No one was at home during the fire, and no one was injured.

Wednesday, August 10, was hot and sunny. It was determined that mirrors and CDs placed on the driftwood piles caused the fire. The property owner was notified and promised to drive to his property on Wednesday, the 10th. When the fire was extinguished, the Colvill fire department left the scene at 3:35 p.m.