Gas pipeline explodes near Willow River, 500 lose service but no one hurt

The Pine County Sheriff’s Office confirms there has been an explosion in Willow River, Minnesota on Friday afternoon. Multiple people reported hearing the sound of an explosion around 1:43 p.m.

Picture from Ainsley Blondo.

“Several fire departments, EMS, and law enforcement were dispatched and determined it was a larger gas line that was involved,” explained a release from the Pine County Sheriff’s Office. “Multiple addresses in proximity to the explosion were asked to evacuate.”

The Sheriff’s Office further stated that nothing criminal is suspected and that no injuries have been reported. Northern Natural Gas and authorities are on the scene.

“There’s no reason to think there’s any more risk to people using their gas or anything like that,” said Pine County Sheriff Jeff Nelson. “They’re going to work on making sure that the customers in the affected area will have gas.”

Northern Natural Gas provided WDIO with the following statement:

“Northern Natural Gas experienced a pipeline incident near Willow River, MN on January 16, 2026.

The site of the incident has been secured, and this section of the pipeline system has been isolated. No injuries occurred and no threat to public safety currently exists.

Northern Natural Gas is coordinating with authorities and is investigating the cause of the incident to safely restore service. We expect to begin repairs to the system later today. “

Video taken by the Carlton County Fire News Facebook page shows two massive flames and plumes of smoke. Carlton County Fire News says it is in the Fox Lake area near Highway 61 and County Road 41, and an explosion was heard at about 1:30 p.m. The Northland FireWire says that flames are visible from I-35.

National Pipeline Mapping System shows a gas transmission pipeline and a hazardous liquid pipeline in the area of Fox Lake. Officials have yet to confirm whether or not the pipelines are involved.