LUTSEN, Minn. — Officials are urging people to stay away from the area around the Lutsen Resort main lodge while they continue to investigate what caused the devastating fire that destroyed the historic building.
On Friday afternoon, the Cook County Sheriff's Office sent out a press release declaring the area an official crime scene. However, Sheriff Pat Eliason later said that was incorrect and the press release was worded incorrectly, adding that his office wanted people to stay off the site while the Minnesota State Fire Marshal continues its investigation.
"We are working to preserve the integrity of the fire scene and keep people safe by asking them to stay out of the area," Sheriff Eliason said in an updated press release. "Anyone who puts their own safety at risk or enters a potential crime scene will be detained."
Fire crews responded to the fire early Tuesday morning after receiving reports of smoke coming from the lobby around 12:30 a.m. Lutsen Fire Chief Steve Duclos said his department responded within 10 minutes. Fire crews from Lutsen, Tofte, Grand Marais and a number of other departments rushed to the scene and found the lodge building engulfed by flames.
On Wednesday, state fire officials said there were at least three unresolved code violations on the last Lutsen Resort Lodge inspection report.
The state fire marshal released its report from July 6, 2023, detailing seven total violations, including issues with the sprinkler system, fire alarm system, fire exit signs and smoke alarms.
The three remaining violations involved a sprinkler system inspection report, and fire alarm system and a replacement emergency light near one of the rooms. In the release, fire officials said it's too early to know whether any of the three code violations were partly to blame.
Lutsen Resort general manager, Edward Vanegas told KARE 11 on Wednesday that he believed the violations from July 2023 were resolved. However, a spokesperson for the State Fire Marshal's office said that is not the case.
"It is still too early to determine whether this fire started accidentally or was set intentionally," Sheriff Eliason said in a release. "We are asking the public to star away from the area.
"The area around the lodge was secured to limit access for safety concerns around an unstable fire debris and structural items, including chimney stacks. The area is also secure to preserve the scene for the ongoing investigation."
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