Gov. Walz visits Two Harbors to survey wildfire fighting efforts

Man arrested for firing shot at wildfire fighting airplane near Orr, MN

TWO HARBORS, Minn. (KVRR/FOX9) — Gov. Tim Walz visits northeastern Minnesota to survey wildfire damage firsthand as authorities continue to gain control of several blazes.

He traveled to Two Harbors to see the impact of the Stewart Trail Fire, which has burned roughly 355 acres and destroyed 34 structures, including homes and outbuildings.

The fire is now more than 60% contained, but some evacuation orders and Highway 61 closures are still in effect.

Fire crews are also responding to the Flanders Fire in Crow Wing County, which has grown to more than 1,600 acres and forced additional evacuations.

Walz has declared a peacetime emergency and mobilized Minnesota National Guard to help with wildfire response.

Meanwhile, a man from northeastern Minnesota is accused of shooting at a plane that was assisting with a wildfire near Orr, Minnesota.

St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office says 48-year-old Daniel Pettit was arrested last night at his home in rural St. Louis county.

The plane was shot and damaged while scooping water from a lake Friday.

The pilot was not hurt.

Pettit faces charges of reckless use of a firearm, assault and property damage.