August 14 – Over half a dozen fire departments battled a garage and barn fire in Biwabik Township. The fire was reported around 4:35 p.m. on the Pettit Road. Arriving firefighters found a garage and nearby barn engulfed in flames. Both structures were considered a total loss. The cause of the fire is being investigated by the Minnesota State Fire Marshal’s Office. Fire departments on the scene included: Biwabik, Biwabik Township, Lakeland, Fayal Township, Palo, Gilbert, Eveleth, and Mountain Iron. Photos courtesy of Biwabik Township Fire Department.

July 18 – Ten Iron Range fire departments participated this evening in a water supply and relay pumping drill at Giant’s Ridge near Biwabik. “This was a great training exercise which allowed us to hone our water supply resources and build a stronger working relationship with all of the participating departments,” said Incident Commander and Fayal Fire Chief Steve Shykes. Water tenders were filled at the Lake Mine Pit and then had to supply drop tanks at Giant’s Ridge. From there, the water was relay pumped to Virginia’s aerial. Those departments participating in the exercise include: Biwabik, Biwabik Township, Lakeland, Fayal, Palo, Makinen, Virginia, Mountain Iron, Eveleth and Central Lakes. The event was hosted by the East Range Fire Department Coalition.

Biwabik’s engine is being set up to supply water to Virginia’s aerial.

Water tenders begin lining up to supply water to drop tanks as part of the water supply and relay pump drill.

July 18-Firefighters from four Iron Range communities were called this morning to a garage fire in Eveleth. The fire was reported shortly before 7:00 a.m. in an alley in the 700 block of Grant Avenue. The garage was a total loss and a nearby shed was damaged. Fire departments on the scene included: Eveleth, Virginia, Fayal, and Gilbert. The cause of the fire is under investigation.

Just prior to the Gilbert 3rd of July Parade, five year old Henry Schack became an Honorary Fayal Firefighter. Henry, who has battled cancer twice, always wanted to be a firefighter and the Fayal Fire Department pulled out all the stops to make his wish come true. Through the efforts of Fire Chief Steve Shykes, Henry received a full set of turnout gear. In addition, a collection was started so Henry could travel to Disneyland as part of the Make A Wish Program. Area firefighters and fire departments also participated in the event. “The support we received was absolutely incredible,” said Chief Shykes. “It was a great effort and we’re so delighted we could help Firefighter Henry. He’s one of our brothers now.”

Honorary Fayal Firefighter Henry Schack and his turnout gear.

Hibbing EMS and Fire personnel were dispatched this evening to
a report of a small plane crash at the Chisholm-Hibbing Range Regional Airport. The plane crashed nose first on the far end of the main runway. The incident was reported around 8:45 p.m. The pilot was not injured. A small amount of fuel was spilled. The airport was shutdown for a short period of time. The cause of the crash is being investigated by the FAA.

May 26-An RV was destroyed as the result of an afternoon fire in Fayal Township. The fire was reported on the Scout Camp Road. Firefighters from Fayal Township, Eveleth, and Gilbert responded to the fire, along with the Minnesota DNR. An Eveleth ambulance was also on the scene for medical standby. The cause of the fire is under investigation. Photo courtesy of Abbey Cherrington.

May 22 – Virginia firefighters, with the assistance of the Fayal Township and Mountain Iron fire departments, battled an excavator fire at the St. Louis County Regional Landfill. The fire was reportedly just before 7:00 p.m. The excavator was a total loss. No injuries were reported. The cause of the fire is under investigation.

May 18-A semi truck-trailer fire in the northbound lane of US Highway 53 near Canyon forced the closing of the busy highway early this morning. The truck and trailer were extensively damaged. Fire departments responding to the incident included: Grand Lake, Alborn, Northland, Cotton, Meadowlands, and Ellsburg Township. The cause of the fire is under investigation. Photo courtesy of WDIO-TV.