CASS LAKE — A fire destroyed a storage facility at Timberlyne Wood Products on Thursday night, March 26, in Cass Lake.
The Cass County Sheriff’s Office received the fire report about 10:45 p.m. at the sawmill east of Highway 371. Deputies found the kiln drying and storage building engulfed in flames.
Firefighters and equipment from fire departments in Cass Lake, Bemidji and Walker and the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources worked through the night to fight the fire.
The building and contents are believed to be a total loss.
The sheriff’s office reported there were no known injuries associated with the fire and the investigation is ongoing, with the assistance of the Minnesota State Fire Marshal’s Office.
The business was previously known as Cass Forest Products for 33 years before it was acquired by Timberlyne in 2022.
-
Emma Krab/KAXEStauber, state officials and local mayors voiced their opposition at a press conference Wednesday, Aug. 19, 2026. -
Lorie Shaull/Special to KAXEThe state reported the Glacier Ice House employee was one of several laid off during their disability leave. But while others were allowed to move to open positions, this employee was not. -
Contributed/NewRange Copper NickelThe Babbitt mine and Hoyt Lakes processing plant is expected to impact about 1,100 acres of wetlands, according to the company's permit application. -
Plus: The FBI launches a new "Voices Not Forgotten" initiative to raise awareness of cold cases in tribal nations. -
Contributed/FBIThe new program increases monetary rewards for information on six cold cases involving Native people where the FBI has jurisdiction, including one from the Red Lake Nation. -
Plus: Meat processing facility in Staples opens
-
Contributed/Deborah Rose / Minnesota Department of Natural ResourcesThirty-three communities received nearly $5 million in funding, including Virginia, Hill City and other Northern Minnesota cities. A new DNR grant closes Sept. 14, 2026. -
Megan Buffington/KAXELocal livestock producers face limited options for meat processing and slaughter amid market consolidation and workforce shortages. -
Contributed/Max Nesterak / Minnesota ReformerWalz is instructing the DNR not to grant permits. This move bears a strong risk of litigation over Twin Metals, which wants to extract copper, nickel, cobalt and other valuable metals from underground veins. -
And: Glen's Army Navy in Grand Rapids to close after 80 years.
