Two Eveleth garages extensively damaged

October 21 – Two garages in Eveleth were extensively damaged by fire this morning. The fire was reported around 7:55 a.m. in the 600 block of Garfield Street. The blaze spread from one garage to another nearby garage before firefighters arrived. One person was evaluated by Eveleth Ambulance personnel, but was not transported. Both garages were extensively damaged and a nearby house had minor outside damage. The Minnesota State Fire Marshal’s Office is investigating the cause of the fire. Fire departments on the scene included: Eveleth, Virginia, Fayal Township, Gilbert, Biwabik, and Mountain Iron.

Arriving firefighters found that the fire had quickly spread to two garages.
Eveleth firefighters quickly move in to attack the fire to keep it from spreading.

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For Sale: 1984 Mack pumper. 1250 GPM pump. 500 gallon tank. $2,000. For more information, contact Cory Vandervort at 218-969-6654 or Evergreenfiredepartment@yahoo.com

Semi Tractor Trailer rollover in Biwabik

September 28 – EMS and fire personnel from Biwabik, Lakeland, and Hoyt Lakes responded to a semi tractor trailer truck rollover in Biwabik. The incident was reported around 1:00 p.m. at the intersection of State Highway 135 and Vermilion Trail. The driver was taken by Biwabik Ambulance to a local hospital with what appeared to be non-life threatening injuries. The truck was hauling demolition materials. The incident is under investigation by the Minnesota State Patrol.

Hibbing garage apartment extensively damaged

September 25 – A late night fire caused extensive damaged to a garage apartment in Hibbing. The fire was reported around 11:45 p.m. in the 3100 block of 1st Avenue. A vehicle parked inside the structure was destroyed, while the rest of the building had extensive fire and smoke damage. No injuries were reported and the cause is under investigation by the Hibbing Fire Marshal. Fire departments on the scene included: Hibbing, Chisholm, Keewatin and Virginia.

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Lightning hits Virginia home

September 16 – A large house in Virginia’s southside area was struck by lightning early this morning. The incident was reported around 4:55 a.m. in the 200 block of 5th Street South. No injuries were reported, but Virginia fire officials told The Northland Fire Wire that the home had extensive damage to its electrical system as well as to the exterior. The Virginia, Eveleth, Mountain Iron, and Hibbing fire departments were dispatched. Virginia firefighters spent around three hours on the scene checking for the extent of damages.

Virginia trailer house fire

September 15 – Firefighters from Virginia, Mountain Iron, and Gilbert were on the scene of a trailer home fire in Virginia late this morning. The fire was reported around 10:45 a.m. on Eastview Lane in Briarwood Estates. Arriving firefighters were able to quickly knock down the fire, although the home had extensive damage. No injuries were reported. The cause of the fire is under investigation by the Virginia Fire Marshal.

More area departments receive AFG funding

September 8 – The Proctor Fire Department has been notified that it is receiving an Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. The grant is in the amount of $155,528.57 for Operations and Safety. In addition, the Cloquet Area Fire District is receiving a Fire Prevention and Safety Grant from the Department of Homeland Security. This grant, which is also part of the AFG Program, is $18,826.29.

Fire at United Taconite plant in Forbes

August 28 – Multiple fire departments were dispatched early this morning to a report of a fire at the United Taconite plant in Forbes. The alarm came in shortly after 1:30 a.m. in the crusher building. Arriving firefighters reported an active fire in the building with a conveyor belt involved. Later, another fire was discovered in the fines building. A conveyor belt was also involved in that fire. Firefighters from McDavitt, Virginia, Cherry, Clinton, Fayal Township, Central Lakes and Hibbing were on the scene. No injuries were reported. It’s not known how the fire impacted pellet production at the operation.

Mountain Iron house fire

August 28 – Four Iron Range fire departments were paged early this morning to a house fire in Mountain Iron. The fire was reported around 5:00 a.m. in the 5700 block of Mesabi Avenue. The fire was contained to one room. The residents and two dogs were able to safely evacuate the house. No injuries were reported and the cause is under investigation.

Due to concerns about hydrant flow in the area, a drop tank was set up to provide water to the firefighting effort. The drop tank was not needed.