Our Story

Since 1992, the Gunflint Trail Volunteer Fire Department (GTVFD) has been the primary emergency response service for the remote Gunflint Trail region in northeastern Minnesota. Covering 58 miles of rugged wilderness between Grand Marais and the Canadian border, we proudly serve as the only line of emergency support for this vast and isolated area.

Our dedicated team of volunteer firefighters, EMTs, and support staff are on call 24/7—responding to fires, medical emergencies, and search and rescue missions across more than 700 homes, cabins, and businesses nestled within the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness and the Superior National Forest.

With strong community support and generous donations, the GTVFD operates three strategically placed fire halls along the trail:

• Hall 1 (mid-trail) and Hall 3 (upper trail) both include community centers available for local events, meetings, and gatherings. These spaces serve as vital hubs for connection and communication in our remote region.
• Hall 2, located near Gunflint Lake, houses our ambulance and serves as the base for rapid medical response along the upper trail.

Each hall is equipped with essential firefighting and rescue apparatus—including engines, brush trucks, water tenders, and backcountry rescue tools. Our volunteers undergo continuous training to stay prepared for the unique and often challenging emergencies that can arise in a wilderness environment—from structure fires and wildfires to medical incidents and remote rescues.

At the core of our mission is a deep commitment to the safety, resilience, and well-being of the Gunflint Trail community.