Fire Quick Links: What you need to know

Firefighters and other emergency management teams continue to fight the three large fires burning in St. Louis and Lake Counties. It is important to remember that your county sheriff will notify the public if and when an emergency evacuation is needed. We have some Quick Links to help residents find information to be prepared in case you are asked to evacuate.

Remember, drones are not allowed near any of the fire areas.

For Fire Weather, Emergency Management and Law Enforcement

If you are in the in the vicinity of the fires, or if the winds change direction, Emergency Management will update the Evacuation maps. (See below for what to do if evacuated)
There are three levels of evacuation:

  • Ready – Level 1 – Evacuation Advisory
  • Set – Level 2 – Evacuation Warning
  • Go – Level 3 – Evacuation Order

The East Range Police Department shared information on Tuesday night on what would happen if the Hoyt Lakes area should be evacuated. If a mandatory evacuation was needed, they say residents should expect the following”

  1. Emergency Cell Phone Alert (similar to the Amber Alert)
  2. Law Enforcement PA system through squad cars
  3. Tornado Sirens will sound
  4. Evacuation route will be via Highway 110 towards Aurora.
  5. An evacuation location will be announced if needed.

Residents should heed the evacuation orders issued by The St. Louis County Sheriff’s hub and Watch Duty. (Please note, the colors are different with these two sites.)

The Minnesota DNR provides helpful tips for an Evacuation kit and what to do should you be told to evacuate:

  1. Leave power and outside lights on
  2. Leave a written note on the table of who evacuated, where you are heading and the time and date.
  3. Leave your cabin unlocked
  4. If you have a hose, turn it on with the nozzle in the closed position.
  5. Take pets with you. Bring pet medications, vaccination records.
  6. Take your medications with, in their original bottles.
  7. Put any ladders up against your roof.
  8. Leave your boat in the lake with motor, gas and life preservers.
  9. When you get to a safe area, notify family and friends that you have evacuated and you are safe. Remember to take phone numbers with you.
  10. Follow designated evacuation routes and drive with your lights on.
  11. Bring extra eyeglasses if necessary.
  12. Bring cash, credit cards, and important documents with
  13. Take a change of clothes and pillow, blanket and towel
  14. Don’t forget special needs like formula, diapers, infant medical supplies, canes, wheelchairs etc.

ARROWHEAD TRANSIT:

Arrowhead Transit is preparing for the possibility of large-scale emergency evacuations as wildfires continue to pose a threat to communities in North St. Louis County. Arrowhead Transit is on standby and coordinating closely with emergency management officials, nursing homes, and hospitals to respond if needed.

Areas of concern include:

Babbit: Carefree Living nursing home: 32 residents needing transportation assistance.
Ely: Carefree Living nursing home: Approximately 48 residents.
Aurora: Essentia Health Hospital and attached nursing home: 33 hospital patients and 52 nursing home residents.

PETS:
Pup North Pet Lodge
, 4271 Clyde Road in Eveleth has extended their assistance to anyone who has been evacuated from the fire areas and have no place to keep their pets. Contact North Pup Lodge at 218-744-1477 or 218-213-8391.

Fur Baby Care MN shared on Facebook that they are opening their doors to small cats, exotics and other pets that have been evacuated from the fire area. Contact 218-410-3043 or by email at furbabycaremn@gmail.com.

Cook’s Country Connection is offering help for larger animals. They shared on their Facebook page, ‘If you or someone you know needs to evacuate their critters due to the fires please reach out! We have trailers and a couple extra paddocks to help house animals and their humans.’ Call 218-780-8611. They are located at 1953 Vermilion Dr. in Cook, Minnesota.