October 18 – Firefighters from Virginia and Pike-Sandy-Britt were paged out this morning to a crash involving two semi tractor-trailer vehicles. The crash was reported around 10:00 A.M. in the northbound lane of Highway 53, just north of Virginia. Both drivers appeared to be uninjured, according to fire officials on the scene. The northbound lane was closed for just over an hour, resulting in a huge traffic backup. The crash is under investigation by the Minnesota State Patrol.

October 18 – Virginia Fire Marshal Jake Keehl (standing) and Virginia Paramedic/Firefighter Mario DelGreco address students at the Marquette School in Virginia about fire safety. The importance of smoke alarms and having a fire escape plan were emphasized to the children.

October 17 – Students from the Laurentian Elementary School in Eveleth took part in a fire drill this morning. The Eveleth, Fayal, Mountain Iron, and Gilbert fire departments were at the school to help coordinate the exercise.

October 16 – The Hibbing, Chisholm, Keewatin, and Virginia fire departments were dispatched late Monday evening to an apartment house fire in Hibbing. The blaze was reported around 10:55 P.M. in the 2300 block of 7th Avenue East, often referred to as Bob Dylan Drive. Upon arrival, firefighters saw flames and smoke coming from the two story structure. A second alarm was requested, bringing the Cherry and Nashwauk departments to the scene. The majority of the fire was contained to the basement area, although the entire structure had heat and smoke damage. All of occupants were able to safely evacuate the building and no injuries were reported. The cause of the fire remains under investigation by the Hibbing Fire Marshal’s Office and the Minnesota State Fire Marshal’s Office. The American Red Cross was contacted to provide assistance to those displaced by the fire.

October 13 – A late night fire in Eveleth resulted in the destruction of two garages. The fire was reported around 9:30 P.M. in the 700 block of Harrison Street. Arriving fire crews found one garage totally engulfed in flames with a nearby garage with two vehicles inside also on fire. The Eveleth, Fayal, Mountain Iron, Virginia and Gilbert fire departments responded on the first alarm while the Clinton and Central Lakes departments came in on the second alarm. The Eveleth Ambulance Service was on the scene to provide medical standby. No injuries were reported. The Minnesota State Fire Marshal’s Office is investigating the cause of the fire.

October 15 – Firefighters from Eveleth, Fayal, Virginia, Mountain Iron, and Gilbert were dispatched this evening to an apartment house fire in Eveleth. The fire was reported around 8:50 P.M. in the 700 block of Garfield Street. Firefighters contained most of the fire to the basement area, although the rest of two story building had smoke damage. Eleven cats perished in the fire, and another one is missing. No human injuries were reported. Three people were displaced by the fire and th eNorthland Chapter of the American Red Cross was contacted. Departments on the scene included: Eveleth, Fayal, Mountain Iron, Gilbert, and Virginia. The Eveleth Ambulance Service provided medical standby at the scene while the Eveleth Police Department was there for traffic control. The Minnesota State Fire Marshal’s Office is investigating the cause of the fire.

October 13 – The Aurora, Hoyt Lakes, and Palo fire departments battled a trailer house fire in White Township this evening. The fire was reported around 7:50 p.m. in the 5400 block of Poplar Street, which is just outside of Aurora. Arriving firefighters found the unoccupied trailer house engulfed in flames. No injuries were reported. The cause of the fire is under investigation by the St. Louis County Sheriff’s Department and the Minnesota State Fire Marshal’s Office. The Hoyt Lakes Ambulance Service provided medical standby at the scene.

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) reports that cooking fires are the leading cause of home fires and home fire injuries. Because of cooking fires are so devastating, the theme for this year’s Fire Prevention Week is Cooking Safety starts with YOU! Here are some Cooking Safety tips from the U.S. Fire Administration.

October 8 – Dozens of people from the Biwabik area turned out for this year’s Open House at the Biwabik Fire Department. Some of the activities included: fire extinguisher checks and demonstrations, chili cook off, coloring contest, and fire engine rides. The North Memorial Air Care 7 crew, which is based out of the Eveleth-Virginia Airport, also made an appearance. ”We had a good turnout,” said Biwabik Fire Chief Dan Mackey. ”We always like it when folks visit us during Fire Prevention Week!” Photos courtesy of the Biwabik Fire Department.

October 5 – The weather was certainly not the best, but Virginia’s annual Open House was a huge success. The Friends of Virginia Public Safety estimated that they served 500 with their famous ”Tacos In A Bag.” Virginia EMS/Fire personnel conducted a vehicle extrication demonstration. Vendors included: Essentia Health, Minnesota DNR, Range Mental Health Center, CertServe, and Virginia Fire Fighters Local 390. The St. Louis County Sheriff’s Department and St. Louis County Rescue Squad also participated.