{"id":29123,"date":"2026-05-17T04:40:22","date_gmt":"2026-05-17T09:40:22","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/trfnews.i234.me\/wordpress\/?p=29123"},"modified":"2026-05-17T04:40:22","modified_gmt":"2026-05-17T09:40:22","slug":"fire-plane-hit-by-bullet-after-lake-run","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/trfnews.i234.me\/wordpress\/fire-plane-hit-by-bullet-after-lake-run\/","title":{"rendered":"Fire Plane Hit By Bullet After Lake Run"},"content":{"rendered":"

Orr<\/strong> (trfnews.i234.me<\/a>) \u2014 Authorities are asking for help after a Minnesota DNR fire suppression aircraft was hit by a bullet Friday evening.<\/p>\n

The aircraft had been helping fight a wildland fire north of Orr. It later returned to Hibbing Airport, where damage was found.<\/p>\n

According to the St. Louis County Sheriff\u2019s Office, the aircraft appeared to have been struck after scooping water from Kjostad Lake around 7 p.m.<\/p>\n

Fire Reported North Of Orr<\/h2>\n

Deputies and firefighting crews were called around 4 p.m. Friday to Portage Township. The area is about 15 miles north of Orr.<\/p>\n

Several local, state, and federal fire crews responded to the scene. Two single-engine Air Tractor aircraft also helped fight the fire.<\/p>\n

The aircraft were operating under contract with the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Ground crews and air crews worked the fire for several hours.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\"DNRImage related to the investigation.\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

Pilot Not Hurt<\/h2>\n

After the aircraft landed at Hibbing Airport<\/a>, crews found what appeared to be bullet damage.<\/p>\n

The aircraft landed safely. The pilot was not injured.<\/p>\n

The St. Louis County Sheriff\u2019s Office said the case remains under investigation.<\/p>\n

Public Asked To Help<\/h2>\n

Anyone with information is asked to call 911. Tipsters may remain anonymous.<\/p>\n

Callers should reference case number 26066433.<\/p>\n

Authorities have not said who may have fired the shot. No arrests have been reported.<\/p>\n

The incident comes during a busy wildfire response period across northern Minnesota. Fire aircraft often scoop water from lakes to help slow flames in remote areas.<\/p>\n

Officials are urging the public to use caution near active fire zones. They also ask people to report any unsafe or suspicious activity.<\/p>\n

I\u2019m Chris Harper reporting for TRF News<\/a>.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Orr (trfnews.i234.me) \u2014 Authorities are asking for help after a Minnesota DNR fire suppression aircraft was hit by a bullet 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