Emergencies
 
 

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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

Volunteers needed for Local Mental Health Advisory Council Read more

Volunteers needed for Local Mental Health Advisory Council

St. Louis County is seeking six volunteers to serve on its Local Mental Health Advisory Councils. Currently there are five openings on the advisory council that serves Duluth and surrounding communities in the southern part of the county, and one opening on the advisory council serving the Iron Range and northern part of the county.

 

Ideal candidates include anyone who has lived experience of their own or through a loved one, anyone with professional training related to mental health, and those who are passionate about improving services in our community. A stipend is available for people with lived experience who serve on the advisory council. 

Vista Star strikes breakwater Read more

Vista Star strikes breakwater

On July 20, 2024 at 2247 hours, the St. Louis County Sheriff's Office, US Coast Guard, Duluth Fire and St. Louis County Rescue Squad were called for a report of the Vista Star striking the breakwater in the Wisconsin Entry with 84 people on board. Minor injuries were reported and the Vista Star was able to make it back to its dock in Minnesota Slip under its own power.
Structure Fire Gnesen Township Read more

Structure Fire Gnesen Township

On July 20 at 0224 hours, The St. Louis County Sheriffs Office along with area fire departments were dispatched to a structure fire in the 3600 block of Echo Lane. The occupants of the residence were awoken by the sounds of their fire alarms and were able to evacuate the residence. Everyone made it out of the house. 1 adult female was seen by medical for possible smoke inhalation. The structure appears to be a total loss.
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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