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218-730-4400 •www.duluthmn.gov
Public Information Officer at 218-730-5309
SUBJECT: Duluth Fire responds to encampment fire under Interstate I-35
BY: Kate Van Daele, Public Information Officer
NATURE OF INCIDENT: Structure Fire
CASE NO.: ICR-22-0000790
INCIDENT DATE: 1/19/2022
INCIDENT TIME: 1:14 p.m.
INCIDENT LOCATION: I-35 & Mesaba
Duluth Fire responds to encampment fire under Interstate I-35
[Duluth, MN] Just after 1:00 p.m. today, January 19, 2022, the Duluth Fire Department responded to the report of smoke below interstate I-35 near the Mesaba/Superior Street exit. Crews from Lincoln Park arrived on scene first and reported heavy flames and smoke coming from below the freeway. A first alarm was then initiated because of the active conditions.
Lincoln Park crews were able to knock down the fire quickly using tank water. Crews from Headquarters once on scene were able to conduct a primary and secondary search and confirmed that no one was found within the area of the fire. Witnesses reported to fire officials that many squatters had been camping under the structure where the fire originated. There were no injuries as a result of the fire.
A variety of debris was found beneath the structure including a mattress, several pallets, and a variety of personal items.
Traffic was not impacted during the fire thanks to winds being out of the northwest.
Crews from Headquarters, and Lincoln Park responded to the fire.
The Duluth Fire Department encourages those in need of shelter to use the services at CHUM located at 120 North 1st Avenue West. CHUM’s Drop - In Center is open 24 hours a day. The Warming Center is also available between the hours of 8:00 p.m. and 8:00 a.m. at the Rainbow Center. The DTA is providing free rides to and from the Warming Center to anyone in need of temporary shelter.
This fire is under investigation by the Duluth Fire Marshal’s Office. No additional information is available at this time.
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