November 12 – Hibbing fire officials are estimating that last night’s fire at Yoder Building Supplies in downtown Hibbing caused an estimated $1.5 million in damages. The building is considered a total loss. No civilian or firefighter injuries were reported. This morning, Hibbing fire crews continued to douse the smoldering remains of the huge building, formerly known as Erickson Lumber. The cause of the fire is being investigated by the Hibbing Fire Marshal and the Minnesota State Fire Marshal’s Office.

November 11 – Multiple fire departments from across the Iron Range battled a large fire this evening in downtown Hibbing. Shortly after 9:00 p.m., the Hibbing, Chisholm, Keewatin, and Virginia fire departments were dispatched to Yoder Building Supply, located in the 1800 block of 3rd Avenue East. Arriving crews saw heavy smoke and flames coming from the building and started a defensive attack. The Mountain Iron, Nashwauk, Fayal Township, Eveleth and Grand Rapids departments were also dispatched and were on the scene. At the height of the blaze, three aerial apparatus (Hibbing, Virginia, Grand Rapids) were in operation. No injuries have been reported. The building is considered to be a total loss. The Hibbing Fire Marshal’s Office and the Minnesota State Fire Marshal’s will be investigating the cause of the fire. During the fire, several teenagers brought bottled water to the crews. “This was a great act of kindness,” said one Chisholm fire officer.

November 3 – The Fayal Fire Department has a new off-road vehicle. The 2022 Polaris XP1000 is equipped with a wildland fire unit, plus it has capabilities for responding to off-road emergencies. The vehicle was purchased from funds the fire department received from the 2021 Geenwood Lake Fire in Lake County. The unit was placed in service on November 1. Photo courtesy of the Fayal Fire Department.

Four Iron Range fire departments (Fayal Township, Gilbert, Mountain Iron, Eveleth) took part in a cooperative training session in Fayal Township on October 26. Fayal Fire Chief Steve Shykes told The Northland Fire Wire that the training session focused on roof operations and ventilation. The hands on exercises were at a vacant house in Fayal Township.

October 13-In a cooperative effort involving five Iron Range fire departments, students at the Laurentian Elementary School in Eveleth were treated to a variety of fire safety talks and demonstrations. The fire departments included: Eveleth, Fayal Township, Gilbert, Virginia, and Mountain Iron. “This is the first time we’ve done such a combined program,” said Virginia Fire Marshal Jake Keehl. Eveleth Deputy Fire Chief Dan Kraskey provided a fire safety talk while firefighters showed off some of their fire and rescue equipment. The Laurentian Elementary School is part of the Rock Ridge School District.

October 11- Dozens of people took in today’s open house at the Virginia Fire Department. The event featured demonstrations, various vendors, and delicious “Tacos In A bag” prepared by the Virginia Friend of Public Safety Organization.

October 10 – Mountain Iron and Gilbert firefighters visited the Mountain Iron-Buhl Elementary School today. The firefighters showed students some of the equipment that they use, plus they provided a fire safety talk.

October 5 – Mountain Iron, Virginia, Eveleth, Gilbert, and Fayal firefighters participated in a coordinated fire drill this morning at the Mountain Iron-Buhl High School and Elementary School complex. The goal of the exercise was to have students and school staff safely evacuate the buildings while firefighters carried out some simulated firefighter activities. In addition, Fayal and Gilbert fire personnel provided some fire safety information to the elementary students.

October 4 – By a unanimous vote, the Virginia City Council has selected Scott Fredrickson to lead the Virginia Fire Department. Fredrickson, who had been serving as Interim Fire Chief for several months, is an 18 year veteran of the department.

September 26 – Following a huge fire the day before, a large part of the former Connor-Jasper Middle School in Bovey was demolished. An official for the Trout Lake Fire Department said the demolition was necessary because of safety concerns. The older part of the school complex was engulfed in heavy fire and smoke on Sunday afternoon (September 25). Eight fire departments from across Itasca County battled the huge blaze. The cause of the fire is under investigation by local authorities and the Minnesota State Fire Marshal’s Office. There were no reported injuries.