Wildland fire in Kitzville

May 12 – Hibbing firefighters and crews from the Minnesota DNR battled a wildland fire in the Kitzville area of Hibbing this afternoon. The fire was reported shortly after 3:00 p.m. in the area of Adams Avenue and 1st Street. Because of extremely dry conditions, the Minnesota DNR called in additional resources including a track vehicle, helicopter, and two FireBoss aircraft. Hibbing firefighters worked to keep the fire from threatening nearby houses. The fire consumed approximately one and a half acres. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

A FireBoss aircraft makes a water drop on the wildland fire in Kitzville.
A helicopter makes a water drop on hot spots in the fire area.
A track vehicle from the Minnesota DNR moves through the fire area to contain hot spots.
Hibbing firefighters working the perimeter around the fire. Earlier, Hibbing crews worked to keep the fire from threatening nearby homes.

Wildland fire fought by Pike-Sandy Britt and Minnesota DNR

May 12 – Fire crews from the Pike-Sandy-Britt Fire Department and the Minnesota DNR were dispatched this afternoon to wildland fire north of Virginia near the Highway 53-Highway 169 interchange. The fire was reported around 2:35 p.m. in the 6500 block of Redwood Road in Wouri Township. About an acre was consumed. No injuries were reported and the cause is under investigation.

Hibbing garage damaged

May 10 – A garage in Hibbing was damaged by fire this morning. The fire was reported around 6:40 a.m. in 4300 block of 19th Avenue East. The Hibbing, Keewatin. Chisholm, and Virginia fire departments were dispatched to the fire with Virginia later being cancelled while enroute. Damages were contained to the interior of the garage where a vehicle was parked inside. No injuries were reported. The cause is under investigation by the Hibbing Fire Marshal.

Cabin and shed destroyed in Biwabik Township

May 9 – A cabin and shed in Biwabik Township were destroyed by fire this evening. The fire was reported around 6:50 p.m. in the 6200 block of Camp Road, near Camp Esquagama. Seven fire departments (Biwabik Township, Biwabik, Lakeland, Fayal Township, Palo, Gilbert, Aurora) were on the scene. No injuries were reported. While the cause remains under investigation, Biwabik Township Fire Chief Tony Nygaard told The Northland Fire Wire that a burn pile caused the blaze which also damaged another cabin and also consumed some forest lands. The Biwabik Ambulance Service provided medical standby and rehabilitation services on the scene.

Apparatus from Fayal Township and Biwabik Township were utilized to battle the fire on the Camp Road.

Wildland fire in Cotton area

May 9 – A wildland fire this afternoon in Kelsey Township near Cotton consumed about 60 acres. Kelsey, Cotton, and Minnesota DNR firefighters were dispatched around 1:00 p.m. Three aircraft and three tracked vehicles were used in battling the blaze, according to an official with the Cotton Fire Department. It was originally reported that 80-100 acres were involved, but that figure was later adjusted. The cause of the fire is under investigation.

One of three aircraft used to fight the wildland fire in Kelsey Township. Submitted photo.

For Sale: 1993 Pierce pumper

1993 Pierce pumper. 1,000 GPM pump. 1,000 gallon tank. Class A and Class B foam capabilities. $40,000. For more information, contact Lakeland Fire Chief Mike Plesha at: 218-780-9500.

Hibbing house fire

May 5 – Hibbing firefighters battled a house fire in Hibbing late this morning. The fire was reported just after 11:00 in the 2500 block of 7th Avenue East. One adult and five children were in the house at the time and were able to safely evacuate the home before crews arrived. Hibbing firefighters were able to quickly contain the fire to one room. The Keewatin, Chisholm, and Virginia fire departments were also dispatched, but cancelled while enroute. The cause of the fire is under investigation by the Hibbing Fire Marshal’s Office.

Photo: Hibbing Fire Department

May 4 – International Firefighters Day

The Northland Fire Wire and the Friends of the Northland Fire Wire Facebook Page proudly salute firefighters everywhere!

Vacant Morcom Township house destroyed

May 2 – A longtime vacant home in Morcom Township, southwest of Cook, is a total loss following a fire last night. The fire was reported around 5:30 p.m. on the North Airport Road, just off of St. Louis County Highway 22. Firefighters from Bearville, Cook, and French Township were on the scene. No injuries were reported.




Semi tractor trailer rollover in Virginia

May 2- Virginia firefighter/paramedics were dispatched this morning to a semi tractor trailer rollover on Highway 53, just south of the Rukavina Bridge. The crash was reported around 10:20 a.m. in the southbound lane. The driver was not injured. The truck was carrying scrap at the time. Traffic was reduced to one lane for almost six hours due to cleanup operations. The Minnesota State Patrol, Minnesota Department of Transportation, St. Louis County Sheriff’s Department, and Virginia Police Department provided traffic control at the scene.