Overview
- Two rounds of severe thunderstorms that moved through northern and northwestern Minnesota Monday and early Tuesday are linked to the cluster of residential fires.
- East Grand Forks fire officials confirmed two lightning-sparked house fires there that caused major damage but produced no reported injuries.
- The St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office said a home on the Whiteface Reservoir was destroyed early Tuesday after occupants and two dogs escaped and one resident was evaluated by medical personnel.
- The same storms produced gusts above 60 mph that downed trees and caused widespread power outages across parts of northern Minnesota.
- Investigations are ongoing with lightning being examined as a possible ignition source for some fires, and officials say the events highlight risks to homes and utilities during strong thunderstorms.