A call came into Cook County Law Enforcement on Tuesday, March 22, reporting that a semi truck and trailer was on fire on Highway 61 in Lutsen. The caller stated that it was unknown if anyone was injured.
The truck, a 2003 Peterbilt towing a trailer with a backhoe on it, was being driven by John Hanson, 46, of Mountain Iron, Minnesota. Hanson had just come down the Caribou Trail and it is believed the fire started when the driver side brakes locked up, causing them to catch fire.
Cook County dispatch received the call at 10:13 p.m. and paged the Lutsen Fire Department, Lutsen First Responders and Cook County Ambulance. Firefighters were en route at 10:22 and on-scene at 10:24 p.m. it was determined that there were no injuries and Cook County Ambulance was cancelled at 10:26 p.m.
The fire had slowed by the time the fire department arrived as bystanders threw snow on the fire. However, it was still smoldering so Lutsen Fire Department used foam to ensure the fire did not reignite. The westbound lane of Highway 61 was closed for about a half an hour.
The fire department completely extinguished the fire and was clear of the scene at 10:53 p.m.
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