1918

A massive forest fire rages through Minnesota on this day in 1918.

The fire burned at least 1,500 square miles.

In all, 38 towns and villages were destroyed by the fire. Four hundred and fifty three deaths were reported and another 85 people were seriously burned. Four thousand houses, 6,000 barns and 40 schools all went up in flames. In all, the region suffered close to $100 million in damages.