URGENT UPDATE: A fire broke out on an ore dock in Duluth just before noon on Sunday, causing significant damage to a maintenance shed. The Duluth Fire Department responded swiftly after receiving reports of the blaze at the Canadian National Railway ore docks located on the 200 block of 37th Avenue West.
Upon arrival, firefighters discovered a maintenance shed on Dock 6 was “fully involved in fire.” This dock extends nearly half a mile into the St. Louis Bay and is actively used for loading ships with taconite pellets. Crews from four fire stations worked urgently to contain the fire, preventing it from spreading to the dock facilities.
Canadian National staff assisted by securing a water source, and a fire truck drew additional water from the bay. Fortunately, no injuries have been reported. However, the estimated damage to the maintenance shed is pegged at $60,000.
The fire’s cause remains under investigation by the Duluth Fire Marshal’s office. Dock 6, constructed in 1918, is situated along the shoreline of the Lincoln Park neighborhood, with its neighboring Dock 5 currently out of operation.
This incident highlights the ongoing risks faced by industrial facilities and the crucial role of emergency services in safeguarding both infrastructure and personnel. As investigations continue, updates will follow regarding the fire’s cause and the operational status of the railway docks.
Stay tuned for further developments as authorities work to assess the situation and ensure safety in the area.
