March 1, 2001 – An early morning fire destroyed Partridge River, Inc. in Hoyt Lakes. The blaze was called in around 5:00 a.m. and arriving fire crews found the building already engulfed in flames. Hoyt Lakes Fire Chief Steve Stoks told The Northland Fire Wire that he estimated damages at $15 to $20 million. According to Stoks, the blaze apparently started when part of the roof of the building collapsed from a heavy amount of snow. The collapse brought down electrical wiring and gas heaters, which started the sawdust in the building on fire. A loud explosion was heard and then it was just a matter of time before the fire consumed most of the huge structure. Thirteen employees who were in the building at the time managed to escape injury. Around 75 firefighters from Hoyt Lakes, Aurora, Palo, Biwabik, Embarrass, and the nearby LTV Steel Mining Company battled the blaze. Fire Chief Stoks said 1.3 million gallons of water were used in the firefighting effort. The plant, which had around 100 employees, made wood cabinet parts. The company says it plans to rebuild in Hoyt Lakes.