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September 17 – Many have heard about the Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) Program administered by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. Every year, the federal agency provides tens of millions of dollars to fire departments for needed equipment ranging from fire engines to self contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) to rescue equipment and a lot more. Throughout Minnesota, departments have greatly benefitted from the grants and northeastern Minnesota is no exception. However, a good number of people may not be aware that the AFG Program has also funded training props, like the three used this evening in Biwabik Township. The props, fed by propane, included a BBQ fire, car fire, and propane tank fire. “We are pleased that the Minnesota State Fire Marshal’s Office can provide these resources, particularly to the rural parts of the state,” said one fire department training officer. “The training props offer effective and safe training opportunities for our firefighters. We couldn’t ask for a better situation!” Under the guidance of skilled instructors, the training exercises, coupled with the props, lead to team building, effective fireground communications, and most of all, proven and safe firefighting tactics. Those departments participating in tonight’s training included: Biwabik Township, Biwabik, Lakeland, Fayal Township, Gilbert, Virginia, and Hibbing. Lakes Gas provided the propane for the training props.

Iron Range fire departments take part in “live fire training” in Biwabik Township.

September 9 – Chisholm and Hibbing firefighters were called early this morning to a garage fire in Chisholm. The blaze was reported just before 4:00 a.m. in the 1500 block of 2nd Avenue N.W. According to Chisholm Fire Chief Bob Brown, the garage was engulfed in flames when the first fire engine arrived. The garage was a total loss. No injuries were reported. The Minnesota State Fire Marshal’s Office is assisting in determining the cause of the fire.

St. Louis County Sheriff’s officials are continuing their investigation into the theft of wheels and tires from a Central Lakes Fire Department wildland rig. The theft occurred between August 28 and August 30. Fire officials told The Northland Fire Wire that the incident was very disheatening and disturbing since “someone would tamper with an emergency vehicle and render it inoperable.” The wildland rig was temporarily parked outside the department’s number one fire station. Those with any information about the theft are asked to call the St. Louis County Sheriff’s Department at 218-749-7134.

September 5 – The Virginia Fire Department is receiving a $734,950 Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) from the Department of Homeland Security. Fire department officials were made aware of the grant award this afternoon. The funding will be used for firefighters to train in confined spaces and rope rescue, with an overall goal of leading to a Minnesota Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) team. “We are just excited about this grant,” said Fire Chief Allen Lewis. Lewis credited Battalion Chief Erik Jonassen for spearheading the grant application.

August 29 – Fayal Township, Eveleth, Gilbert, Lakeland and Central Lakes firefighters participated in live fire training this evening in Fayal Township. The training was conducted at the former Bullfrogs Restaurant. Firefighters learned about fire behavior as well as hands on fire suppression and ventilation tactics.

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August 25-An early morning trailer house fire in Clinton Township has been determined to be arson. The blaze was reported just before 4:30 a.m. in the 8400 block of Highway 37. The trailer was extensively damaged and a total loss. No injuries were reported. The Clinton, Cherry, McDavitt, and Fayal Township fire departments responded to the fire. The St. Louis County Sheriff’s Department and the Minnesota State Fire Marshal’s Office are investigating the incident. Anyone with information about the fire is asked to call 911.

August 23 – Firefighters from Chisholm and French Township battled an early morning trailer house fire in Balkan Township. The blaze was reported around 5:00 a.m. in the 6500 block of the North Long Lake Road. The lone occupant of the house was able to safely escape. Neighbors said a huge explosion shook the area around the time of the fire. Chisholm Fire Chief Bob Brown told The Northland Fire Wire that the trailer house was engulfed in flames and on the ground when they arrived. The cause of the fire and explosion is under investigation by the Chisholm Fire Department and the Minnesota State Fire Marshal’s Office.

August 21- Several St. Louis County fire departments and the Minnesota DNR battled a railroad equipment and wildland fire this afternoon in southern McDavitt Township. A track alignment vehicle caught fire and was extensively damaged. The fire spread into nearby grass and forest and burned less than an acre. The Ellsburg, Cotton, McDavitt, Kelsey, and Central Lakes fire departments were dispatched. The railroad track is used by the Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railroad. No injuries were reported. The cause of the fire is under investigation.

Submitted photo to The Northland Fire Wire