Today’s Particularly Dry Yet Truly Morbid Fact!
The summer of 1918 had been particularly dry in northeastern Minnesota and hundreds of small fires had been smoldering in the area’s forest and peat bogs. On the afternoon of October 12, 1918, the humidity level in the region dropped drastically, and a 60-mph wind ripped through the area, igniting dormant embers in the underbrush. The embers grew into flames and several fires swept across the region. The Cloquet and Moose Lake regions were hit the hardest. At Cloquet, thousands crowded onto trains trying to escape. Thankfully most succeeded, but it was a different story in the Moose Lake region. A relief train requested at 3 p.m. was not sent out from Moose Lake by the Soo Line until 6 p.m. Its route was to take it to Kettle River, Automba, and Lawler but on arrival in Kettle River it was stopped by the advancing fire.
Those fleeing the area in cars had to negotiate the crowded, narrow road to Moose Lake. They were often blinded by smoke. Many were killed when they ran off the road into ditches. Many more died in root cellars, suffocated by smoke as the flames raced across their farms. In all, conservative estimates placed the death toll at 800. Public opinion placed blame with the railroad companies. With three major lines crisscrossing the region, fires were a common occurrence ignited by sparks and embers blowing from the smokestacks.
Culled from: Disaster Great Lakes