Baudette fire of 1910

The Town of Rainy River lost its lumber mill, but saved many of the residents of Baudette and Spooner since the residential area was not affected.

The region had suffered a severe drought for months which, combined with the available fuels and heavy winds, resulted in a massive blaze.

Residents made no attempts to fight the fire, because it had developed so quickly and covered such a large area, catching people by surprise.

The American Red Cross assisted survivors; a tent city was built in a day to provide shelter, and many supplies were donated in order to rebuild.

[2][5] The Red Cross and the National Guard immediately began the rebuilding effort and many homesteaders now turned to the chore of land clearing with hopes for a crop in the spring.

The total amount of land burned in the state of Minnesota in 1910 was estimated by Forestry Commissioner C. C. Andrews to be greater than 400,000 square hectometres (990,000 acres).

On October 13, 1910 a funeral service was held for 27 fire victims, who were buried in a mass grave at Elm Park Cemetery, Baudette.

[5] A historical marker commemorating the Baudette Fire is located on Minnesota State Highway 72 on the US side of the Baudette-Rainy River International Bridge.