Find the latest wildfire details - including links to the Ready, Set, Go evacuation map, and air quality information on our July 2026 Wildfire emergency page.

Emergencies
 
 

smoky conditions water feature

July 2026 Lightning Wildfires

Numerous wildfires continue to burn in northern St. Louis County. The Sheriff's Office and Emergency Management division are assisting the U.S. Forest Service, MN Department of Natural Resources, and numerous local fire departments in responding to these fires. The Ready, Set, Go Evacuation map is activated and anyone in affected areas should be aware and ready to follow instructions as needed.

Air quality is a concern throughout the region due to the wildfire smoke. St. Louis County Public Health is coordinating with area partners to provide safe places for people needing to evacuate and/or find indoor public locations with good air quality.

St. Louis County Evacuation Zone Map

Air Quality Info & Relief Sites

Evacuation Instructions

 

Headlines

Reed Erickson Convicted and Sentenced Read more

Reed Erickson Convicted and Sentenced

On January 10, 2025, Reed Erickson, 69, of Side Lake, pleaded guilty to gross misdemeanor Misconduct of a Public Employee for acts that occurred during his time as executive director of the Cook Housing and Redevelopment Authority (“Cook HRA”). When Mr. Erickson resigned, he paid himself $18,982.90 in “unused vacation time” to which he admitted he was not entitled. 

Fuel oil leak in Morse Township Read more

Fuel oil leak in Morse Township

On January 9th, 2025, at approximately 12:43 P.M. The Morse Township Fire Department was dispatched to the report of a fuel oil leak on private property, in the 400 Blk of Sheridan St. W on the edge of the city limits of Ely. 

ATV riders contribute $36 million annual economic impact in NE MN Read more

ATV riders contribute $36 million annual economic impact in NE MN

A new study commissioned by the University of Minnesota Extension and the Northeastern ATV Joint Powers Board, has revealed the significant positive economic impact of ATV riders on northeastern Minnesota’s local economy. The findings of the research demonstrate that ATV tourism is not only a growing trend but also a key driver of economic growth, bringing substantial benefits to the region's businesses, infrastructure, and communities.
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Emergency Management 

The role of emergency management is to protect lives, property, and environment from natural and/or human-made disasters through preparation, mitigation, response and recovery and to maximize the protection and promotion of public safety, health and welfare during large-scale emergencies. Emergency Management is a division of St. Louis County run out of the Sheriff office.
 

Public Health Emergency Preparedness 

Emergency Preparedness is a unit based out of the department of Public Health responsible for mass care during emergencies in the county. In a public health emergency, we partner with staff from St. Louis County Emergency Management. Together, we work on coordinating temporary shelter locations, organizing and conducting the mass dispensing of vaccines or medicines to the community, sharing information, and providing other public health resources.

Contacts

In emergency or to file a report, call or text 911.

Sheriff's Office Emergency Management Division 218-625-3960

Scott Lesnau, Public Health Emergency Preparedness Coordinator Email

Grace Elmudesi, Public Health Emergency Preparedness Planner Email