Pop-up camper catches fire at Knife Island Campground

A pop-up camper caught fire in the Knife Island Campground Tuesday night, after the owner had been using the stove.

The Carlton County Sheriff’s Office received a 911 call around 8:15 p.m., with the report that flames were visible from Interstate 35. Upon arrival, crews found the fully-engulfed camper located on the north side of I-35, near mile post 240.

The Sheriff’s Office says the camper was unoccupied when the fire started. The owner had left the campground, and returned when crews were putting out the flames. The owner told authorities they had been using the stove to cook food before they had left.

Authorities do not believe the fire to be suspicious. The fire was contained to the single camper and immediate surrounding area. No injuries were reported.

Responding agencies were the Esko and Carlton Fire Departments, along with the Cloquet Police Department.