The strength of the North Shore’s ‘mutual aid’ network was put to the test this week when smoke was first reported at Caribou Highlands Lodge on Monday afternoon. Within minutes of the first call, just before 2 pm, a coordinated surge of Cook County first responders converged on the scene, battling a blaze that ultimately consumed a three-unit townhome building. While the structural loss is significant, resort management and fire officials confirmed that swift evacuation protocols ensured all guests and staff were accounted for, with no injuries.
Lutsen Fire Chief Steve Duclos credited Caribou Highlands staff with evacuating the burning building and the two buildings adjoining on either side. A High Wind Warning was in effect for the area, with gusts reaching up to 31 mph until 2 pm. The firefighters were focused on preventing the fire from spreading to the surrounding trees. “The winds settled down some during the fire,” Duclos said. “That helped us quite a bit.”
During the response on Monday afternoon, Lutsen Fire and First Responders were assisted by the Tofte, Schroeder, Grand Marais, and Maple Hill Fire Departments. The Cook County Sheriff’s Department and the Cook County Ambulance Service were also on hand.
Duclos said the Grand Marais ladder truck positioned itself on the north side of the building to prevent the fire from spreading. Once firefighters contained the fire to the structure, the incident commander released the mutual aid call to the Silver Bay Fire Department.
Duclos said firefighters were on the site for about eight hours. With spotters remaining on site, a flare-up was called in at about 2 am on Tuesday and again at 8 am. He said the building is a complete loss.
The fire originated in the middle unit, and its cause remains undetermined. The State Fire Marshal was due to arrive on Tuesday afternoon to begin his investigation.
Caribou Highlands Lodge in Lutsen is a ski-in/ski-out, year-round resort operated by Odyssey Resorts. It is located just below the Lutsen Mountains ski area.
According to Aaron Bosanko, Vice President of Marketing for Odyssey, two of the three townhome units that the fire consumed were rented out that day. The townhomes are owned by individuals, and their homeowners’ association retains Odyssey to manage the properties.
Bosanko thanked the Odyssey staff and first responders for their successful management of the tragedy. No one suffered injuries.
Bosanko also thanked Lutsen Mountains for providing crucial water support to firefighters, reflecting the North Shore’s ongoing spirit of neighbors helping neighbors.
