Details released on most recent Lutsen Lodge inspection

On Wednesday afternoon the Minnesota State Fire Marshal released a report of the latest inspection conducted at Lutsen Resort Lodge which was destroyed by fire on February 6. The Minnesota Department of Public Safety State Fire Marshal (SFM) says the last inspection at Lutsen Resort Lodge took place on July 6, 2023.

According to the inspection report, there were seven violations and SFM says the owner repaired four of them.

Officials say it is too early in the investigation to determine whether the outstanding violations played a role in the fire. The cause or origin of the fire has not yet been released pending further investigation.

“This fire had a significant impact to the local economy and community,” said State Fire Marshal Daniel Krier said in a written statement. “We are leading the investigation into the fire’s cause and appreciate the partnership of the Lutsen Fire Department.”

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The SFM says due to the magnitude of this fire they are not able to predict how long the investigation will take.

“There was great potential for a loss of life with this fire,” said Lutsen Fire Chief Steve Duclos said in the release. “We are thankful that wasn’t the case.”

SFM investigators are looking through the debris and ashes to review any physical evidence at the scene and will conduct further interviews.

Firefighters will continue to monitor the property as long as necessary.

SFM says state statute requires hotels, motels and buildings used for lodging, with six or more guest rooms for short-term rentals, are inspected for fire safety once every three years. Daily investigative actions in this case, cannot be released per Minnesota Statute 13.82.