November 20-Emergency personnel from several Iron Range EMS and fire departments responded to a report that six people were overcome by carbon monoxide at a downtown Buhl business. The incident was reported after 9:00 a.m. at Billy’s Bar and Cafe on State Street. Five people were transported to hospitals in Virginia and Hibbing whilw one person was treated at the scene. Four of the victims were living in an apartment attached to the bar. The cause of the carbon monoxide was believed to be a faulty heating system. Ambulances from Buhl, Chisholm, Hibbing, and Virgnia were on the scene. According to the Buhl Fire Chief, all of the victims were expected to make a full recovery.

November 10 – An early morning fire destroyed a Chisholm apartment building and displaced a number of tenants. The fire was reported around 2:45 a.m. at 126 First Street Southwest. Arriving Chisholm police officers were able to safely evacuate all of the residents. “When we arrived, we knew this was going to be a defensive attack,” said Chisholm Fire Chief Bob Brown. The Hibbing Fire Department provided an aerial ladder, which was critical in the defensive fire attack. Firefighters from Buhl and French Township were also on the scene. A cat and dog were rescued. The American Red Cross has been called in to assist the residents. The Minnesota State Fire Marshal’s Office is assisting in investigating the cause of the fire.

The Virginia Fire Department has released the cause of the October 27th fire at the Rotary Apartments in Virginia. According to Virginia Fire Marshal Chris Clark, the fire which extensively damaged a third floor apartment started from carelessly discarded smoking materials. No injuries were reported. The fire was fought by firefighters from Virginia, Mountain Iron, Eveleth, and Hibbing. “This could have been a tragedy,” said Clark.

September 23 – EMS, fire, rescue, and law enforcement personnel from several agencies participated in a simulated Mass Casually Incident (MCI) at the Southside Park in Eveleth. The exercise involved nearly 30 patients in a SUV-bus crash. Drill Coordinator Caitlin Korpi of the Eveleth Ambulance Service said she was very pleased with the overall operation.

September 25- Virginia firefighters use the department’s aerial ladder truck to retrieve the American flag from Washington Manor in Virginia. The flag pole at the senior apartment building became bent during Sunday’s thunderstorm. Firefighters not only retrieved Old Glory, but assisted with the flag’s hoisting rope.

The Hibbing Department, as it has done every year, held a 911 observance this morning outside of the department’s headquarters building. The master of ceremonies for the event was Battalion Chief Chris Petrack, who has personally visited the 911 site in New York. The event was attended by area clergy, Hibbing Mayor Rick Cannata, along with members of the public. In his speech, Petrack made mention of the 343 FDNY firefighters who died on September 11, as well as those who have passed away as a result of illnesses related to being directly involved in the rescue and recovery operations.

September 8 – Eveleth firefighter Dave Poderzay has shown what it takes to be a compassionate and caring public servant. Poderzay’s trucking company is hauling a load of critical items to Hurricane Harvey victims in the Houston area. Area residents quickly filled his trailer with everything from diapers to bottled water to a huge stuffed teddy bear.

Eveleth firefighter Dave Poderzay.

The Ellsburg Fire Department has picked up a 1995 Ford/Custom Rescue pumper from the Lino Lakes Public Safety Department. The engine has a two stage 1,500 GPM Waterous pump, 750 gallon poly tank, and Class A and Class B foam capabilities. The engine was placed in service in August.

The Cherry Fire Department has been notified by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security that it is receiving an Assistance to Firefighters Grant. The $96,215 will be used for operations and safety.