The Northland Fire Wire is seeking nominations for our Firefighter Of The Month series.  If you know of an outstanding Arrowhead Region firefighter who is deserving of such an honor, please let us know.  Send your nominations to: efdresq535@yahoo.com.  Our next honoree is for March.

February 3 – Six Iron Range fire departments were involved in fighting a fire in the City of McKinley.  The blaze was reported just before 8:30 p.m.  A home and attached garage at 2nd Avenue East and 1st Street North were destroyed.  According to the St. Louis County Sheriff’s Department, the cause of the fire is under investigation, but it is believed to be accidental.  The fire departments involved in fighting the fire in sub-zero temperatures included: McKinley, Gilbert, Biwabik Township, City of Biwabik, Fayal Township and Lakeland.  No one was home when the fire started.  No injuries were reported.

At age 61, Eric Knudson left this world way too soon.  11 years ago, Eric was diagnosed with cancer and from that time on, like a firefighter, he led an aggressive “interior attack” on his disease.  And, like any good Incident Commander, Eric also knew there was a time that perhaps the interior attack was not working and it was time to go “defensive”.  Eric made that decision last fall.  He reviewed his options, his resources and how to manage his “life” incident, just like battling a fire.  He made the decision with dignity, respect and honor. In November, the community came to honor Eric by holding a fundraiser and get together at the Biwabik Community Center.  Eric was there and was astounded by the turn-out and support he and his family received.  He talked about his decision to go “defensive” and while difficult, he knew it was the right thing to do and the best way to use his earthly resources.  On January 19, 2013, Eric’s “incident” ended and “command” was terminated. 

Eric Knudson spent 23 years on the Biwabik Fire Department and Ambulance Service.  He ended his firefighting and EMS career as Fire Chief.  During that time, he worked tirelessly to move the organization into the future and that’s not easy to do.  Like any fire chief, he agonized over difficult decisions that had to be made.  His passion for firefighting and EMS was very evident in the stories he told.  Eric loved what he was doing and felt bad that he couldn’t continue because of his health.

I selected Eric Knudson as Firefighter Of The Month because of how he managed that big incident called “Life”.  As I mentioned earlier, he ran his last 11 years just like an Incident Commander.  He knew when to conduct the “interior attack” and when to go “defensive.”  And by the way, going “defensive” is NOT a sign of defeat.  It is a way of managing your resources and options in a way that gives you the best outcome. I think Eric’s life serves as a great example for all of us, whether we are in the EMS/Fire Service or not.  There is a time to go “defensive” and Eric Knudson showed us the way on how to do it.  Thank you, Eric.  I think you have taught us all a valuable lesson in Incident Command!

Peter Makowski, Editor-The Northland Fire Wire

Hibbing fire officials said that it was a “power strip” which caused last week’s fire in the building which contained the Sportsman’s Cafe in downtown Hibbing. The power strips had been attached to eachother. The blaze was located in the second floor of the building.  Seven Iron Range fire departments were called in to fight the fire.  A number of residents were displaced. The cafe has since reopened while the bar remains closed for repairs.

January 24- Firefighters from Hibbing and several Iron Range communities were called around 10:00 a.m. to a fire in downtown Hibbing.  The fire was in the upper floors of the building, which housed the Sportsman’s Café.  Initial reports said flames and smoke were coming from second story windows.  Two people received medical treatment and media reports say about a dozen people have been displaced.  Firefighters from as far away as Virginia and Mountain Iron were called to the fire.  A total of seven fire departments were involved in the firefighting operation.  Damages were estimated around $500,000.

The Hibbing Fire Department, in cooperation with the Keewatin and Nashwauk fire departments, recently conducted a 12 hour firefighter rescue series course.  The firefighter rescue training, sometimes referred to as Rapid Intervention Team (RIT) training, consisted of a three class program, with each fire department hosting a night training session.  “It is paramount for fire departments and their mutual aid counterparts to learn about and practice firefighter rescue skills,” said Hibbing Training Officer Tom Kriske and Hibbing Fire Captain Chris Petrack.  “Firefighter rescue is an important skill not only reserved for dedicated RIT groups, but for all members of fire departments.  Firefighter rescues can arise for any number of problems encountered on the fireground, and can sometimes arise before a dedicated RIT is set up and operating.”

The successful rescue of a “downed” firefighter is the result of several concurrent actions.  The process is started by firefighters quickly recognizing a dangerous situation and effectively calling a “Mayday.”  The command staff then needs to be able to react to the mayday by gaining accountability of the staff on scene, clearly identify and initiate directives to operational staff and recognizing the logistical needs at the scene.  All of this occurs while fire suppression activities are continuing.   The firefighter rescue effort includes the prompt deployment of tactical rescue priorities; like searching, locating and bringing air to the downed firefighter.  The rescue process ends when firefighters successfully complete rescue tactics and ultimately remove the downed firefighter from the hazard zone.

The Hibbing Fire Department plans to host more firefighter rescue sessions for the other mutual aid departments in the area.

Firefighters participate in RIT training conducted by the Hibbing Fire Department.

Photo submitted by the Hibbing Fire Department.

Several news media operations in northeastern Minnesota are reporting that the Babbitt fire chief has resigned amidst allegations that he is under investigation by “outside sources.”  The Northland’s News Center and the Mesabi Daily News report that Ryan Scharber has stepped down from the fire chief’s position.  City officials have said “no comment” to questions about the matter.  The Northland’s News Center did report that there is an investigation, but officials have offered no further information.

January 7 – Cook and Orr firefighters were called to a huge house fire on County Road 115 just outside of Cook.  The fire was reported around 6:20 p.m.  The first arriving Cook firefighters reported that the house was engulfed in flames.  The Orr Fire Department was called in for mutual aid.  The Cook Ambulance provided EMS stand-by at the scene. The house was destroyed.  No one was home at the time.  The cause is under investigation.

January 7 – Firefighters from Biwabik Township, City of Biwabik, Fayal Township and Lakeland battled a house fire on Lake Esquagama in Biwabik Township.  The fire was reported around 4:00 p.m. at 4888 Palm Drive and arriving crews found the structure to be fully involved.  The house was a total loss with one damage report put at $300,000.  The Minnesota State Fire Marshal’s Office is investigating the cause of the fire.