Urgent Fire Erupts on Duluth Ore Dock, $60K Damage Reported

URGENT UPDATE: A fire has erupted on the Duluth ore dock, prompting a swift response from the Duluth Fire Department just before noon on July 15, 2023. The blaze engulfed a maintenance shed at the Canadian National Railway’s facility located on the 200 block of 37th Avenue West.

Fire crews arrived to find the shed “fully involved in fire,” and quickly took action to prevent the flames from spreading to the operational ore docks. Firefighters from four different stations worked tirelessly to contain the situation, securing a water source with the help of Canadian National staff and utilizing additional water from the bay.

The maintenance shed, situated approximately halfway out on the nearly half-mile-long Dock 6, is used for loading ships with taconite pellets. Fortunately, no injuries were reported during this incident, but the estimated damage to the shed is around $60,000.

Authorities have confirmed that the Duluth Fire Marshal’s office is conducting an investigation into the cause of the fire. Dock 6, which was built in 1918, extends into St. Louis Bay from the Lincoln Park neighborhood. Its neighboring Dock 5 is currently inactive.

Residents and businesses nearby are urged to remain vigilant as officials continue their investigation. The situation is developing, and further updates are expected as more information becomes available. Stay tuned for ongoing coverage of this urgent incident.