The Cloquet Fire of 1918 was one of the deadliest and most destructive wildfires in Minnesota history, devastating communities in Carlton and St. Louis Counties, including the cities of Cloquet, Moose Lake, and Duluth. The fire, which occurred on October 12, 1918, was fueled by dry conditions, high winds, and sparks from railroads, leading to rapid fire spread across northern Minnesota.
Fire Details & Impact
- Cause: Sparks from railroads igniting dry vegetation, exacerbated by drought conditions.
- Size: Over 1,500 square miles burned (~960,000 acres).
- Casualties: Estimated 453 deaths, with thousands more injured.
- Damage:
- Over 12,000 buildings destroyed, including homes, businesses, and industrial facilities.
- Estimated $73 million in damages (over $1.4 billion in today’s value).
- Entire towns wiped out, including Cloquet, Moose Lake, and Kettle River.
Effect on Maritime & Industrial Operations
The fire did not only devastate land-based communities—it also impacted maritime industries along Lake Superior, particularly in Duluth:
- The Northern Dock & Dredge Co. lost its entire fleet at Grassy Point in Duluth, including:
- Dipper Dredge Duluth
- Tug Ella G. Stone
- Tug Mentor
- Tug John Jeffrey, Jr.
- Several wooden scows
- The fire also damaged dock infrastructure, rail lines, and shipping facilities, disrupting Great Lakes commerce.
Aftermath & Recovery Efforts
- The U.S. Army, Red Cross, and National Guard were deployed to assist survivors.
- Rebuilding efforts took years, with new fire prevention measures introduced.
- Improved fire safety regulations were enacted, including stricter forest management policies and railroad safety measures to prevent future wildfires.
Legacy
The Cloquet Fire remains a stark reminder of the dangers of wildfires in dry conditions. It stands alongside the Peshtigo Fire of 1871 and the Great Hinckley Fire of 1894 as one of the most catastrophic wildfires in U.S. history.
Would you like information on specific shipwrecks or maritime losses related to the fire?
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