Urgent Fire Engulfs Maintenance Shed at Duluth Ore Dock

URGENT UPDATE: A fire erupted at the Canadian National Railway ore docks in Duluth, Minnesota, just before noon on July 15, 2023. The Duluth Fire Department confirmed that crews responded quickly to reports of a structure fire, arriving to find a maintenance shed “fully involved in fire.”

The shed, located approximately halfway out on the nearly half-mile-long Dock 6, is part of an active facility crucial for loading ships with taconite pellets. Firefighters from four stations swiftly battled the blaze, successfully preventing it from spreading to the surrounding ore docks.

According to reports, Canadian National staff played a vital role in the emergency response, assisting firefighters by securing a water source. A fire truck also utilized additional water from the bay to contain the fire. Remarkably, no injuries have been reported, though the estimated damage to the maintenance shed stands at $60,000.

The Duluth Fire Marshal’s office is currently investigating the cause of the fire. Dock 6, which was constructed in 1918, extends into the St. Louis Bay from the Lincoln Park neighborhood. Its adjacent facility, Dock 5, is no longer operational.

As the investigation unfolds, residents and workers in the area remain on alert. The swift response by the Duluth Fire Department highlights the importance of emergency preparedness in industrial zones. Further updates are expected as authorities continue to assess the situation and determine the next steps.

Stay tuned for developing news on this incident as officials provide more details.