Two Harbors rescue squad member accused of assaulting fire marshal during wildfire response

A Two Harbors man accused of attacking a Minnesota State Fire Marshal employee during the Stewart Trail Fire response was also a member of the Lake County Rescue Squad, raising new questions about accountability inside the county’s emergency network.

Benjamin Lee Robinson, 35, was charged with obstructing the legal process with force or threat of force, fifth-degree assault and disorderly conduct after a confrontation on May 17 at the Lake County Rescue Squad garage. According to the criminal complaint, officers found Robinson on top of another man inside a Minnesota State Fire Marshal vehicle. The Fire Marshal employee told police, “I need help now,” while Robinson told officers, “I’m with search and rescue. This guy tried to kill me.”

Police said Robinson refused commands and was pulled from the vehicle. He was reportedly carrying a utility knife and a multi-tool, resisted arrest and was tased before being handcuffed. He was then taken to the hospital and later jailed. The driver, who works for the Minnesota State Fire Marshal’s Office, was not injured.

FOX 21 later confirmed that Robinson was a member of the Lake County Rescue Squad at the time of the alleged attack. Lake County says the squad is staffed by volunteer members and has equipment in Two Harbors, Silver Bay and Finland, making it part of the county’s emergency-response system rather than a separate private group. That connection raises the stakes beyond a single criminal case, because volunteer responders are often granted access, trust and proximity to incidents that depend on discipline and clear lines of authority.

The alleged assault unfolded while crews were still dealing with the Stewart Trail Fire, which Lake County officials said was sparked by a downed power line on Friday, May 15, 2026. The fire burned more than 350 acres and damaged or destroyed 34 structures, including eight homes or cabins. Highway 61 between Two Harbors and Silver Bay was closed for four days and reopened May 19.

By May 19 and 20, county officials said all evacuation zones had been lifted and the fire was 100% contained. Gov. Tim Walz visited Two Harbors on May 18 to meet with wildfire crews, officials, first responders and residents, underscoring how much attention the fire drew across the North Shore. Lake County also partnered with Head of the Lakes United Way to distribute wildfire-relief donations to affected residents, as the region began the longer work of recovery.