December 29 – Firefighters from seven Iron Range fire departments battled an all day fire in downtown Eveleth.  The fire was reported around 9:00 a.m. at Sleeve’s Sportsmans Bar in the 200 block of Grant Avenue.  Arriving crews found smoke coming from the south wall of the building.  An intense interior fire attack was launched, but the fire spread into the attic and roof section.  A series of interior and exterior attacks were conducted and firefightes kept the fire from spreading to the adjacent Snicker’s Pizza building and Eggy’s Bar building.  The Sleeve’s Sportsman Bar building was extensive damaged, but crews managed to save many of bar’s artifacts.  The Snicker’s Pizza building had slight smoke and water damage, but was able to resume business.  Fire departments involved in fighting blaze included: Eveleth, Fayal, Gilbert, Mountain Iron, Virginia, Biwabik Township and Clinton Township.  No injuries were reported.  The Minnesota State Fire Marshal’s Office is investigating the fire.  The owner of Sleeve’s says he does plan to rebuild.

Photos by Mike Zadra, Fire Wire photojournalist 

December 23 – Hibbing firefighters were dispatched early this morning to a report of a house fire at 2522 6th Avenue East in Hibbing.  Initial reports to the St. Louis County Communications Center indicated that a woman was still in the house and was unable to get out.  Hibbing police officers were the first to arrive on the scene and reported that the woman had been rescued by her grandson.  The woman was taken to the Fairview University Medical Center-Mesabi in Hibbing and then airlifted to Essentia Health-St. Mary’s in Duluth.  Three other occupants in the house were also evaluated at the hospital in Hibbing for smoke inhlation and other fire related injuries..  Hibbing firefighters were assisted by crews from Keewatin and Chisholm.  An Advanced Life Support (ALS) ambulance from Virginia was on the scene for medical stand-by.  The cause of the fire is under investigation by the Hibbing Fire Department. but appears to have started in the attic area.  According to Hibbing fire officials, there were no working smoke detectors in the house.  Damages were put at around $70,000.

The December 19th meeting of the East Range Fire Department Coalition, which was scheduled for Aurora, has been cancelled.  According to ERFDC President Peter Makowski, there were a number of scheduling conflicts involving the officers of the organization, along with other members.  A future meeting date and time have not yet been determined.

Hibbing Fire Captain Chris Petrack has received quite an honor from his department.  On Sunday, November 25, Petrack received the Medal of Valor for his actions back on May 10, 2003.  It was on that day when Petrack entered a north Hibbing home to rescue a man whose house was on fire.  The Northland Fire Wire reported on the fire in it’s August 2003 edition.  The man, who was later charged with arson, alledgely set the large house on fire, went into the basement, and refused to come out.  Firefighter Petrack fought with the person, but was able to get him outside where Hibbing police officers came to help.  For his heroic actions, Hibbing Battalion Chief Lonnie Abate nominated Petrack for the award.  The presentation was held at the Hibbing Fire Department headquarters.

Chris Petrack’s actions were captured by Larry Ryan of the Hibbing Tribune and later published in The Northland Fire Wire-August 2003 edition.

Battalion Chief Lonnie Abate presents Fire Captain Chris Petrack with the Medal of Valor

The person that we have selected for December Firefighter Of The Month has over 33 years of service with the Silver Bay Fire Department.  John Fredrickson joined the department shortly after graduating from high school on July 6, 1979.  He likely had firefighting in his blood for years because he followed in his father’s footsteps, who had been chief of the department for many years.  John’s dedication to firefighting must have really shown through as he was brought in as chief with less than 10 years in the organization. He has held the chief’s postion for 23 years.

John Fredrickson was recently named Fire Officer of the Year(City under 10,000) by the Minnesota State Fire Chiefs’ Association (MSFCA).  It is easy to see why.  His story is one of courage and dedication.  According to the award nomination, “John is always willing to help other departments improve.  He has dedicated himself to improve and provide fire protection to any department in need.”  I have personally talked to John and his biggest concern is improving fire protection.  You can’t get any better than that!

John’s dedication to the Silver Bay Fire Department can truly be measured in this statement, “If John wants to leave town, he makes sure people will be around in case of a call.  If he can’t find people to commit, John will stay home.”  His unselfish dedication sets an example to small city firefighters everywhere.  John is there, 24/7.  He has put his life on hold for the betterment of his community.

John Fredrickson has been battling health issues.  Even when hospitalized, he rarely missed a fire department or committee meeting.  He continued to respond to as many calls as possible and continued to answer e-mails and phone calls.  Illness has not stopped John’s love for the fire service.  He hasn’t backed down.  He continues to move forward.

We are honored to select John Fredrickson as Firefighter of the Month for December.  Keep going, John.  Keep fighting!  We are all in your corner.  Your brother and sister firefighters salute you for a job well done!  Excuse me, Greatly Done!

November 21 – Firefighters from Chisholm and Hibbing battled a mid morning blaze in the downtown Chisholm area.  The fire was reported around 10:45 in upstairs area of the former Central Video business at 114 West Lake Street.  Initial reports said two people were treated for smoke inhalation after being evacuated from the building. Media reports say the fire was contained to two rooms.  The Buhl Fire Department was put on standby.  The Chisholm Ambulance Service was on the scene to provide “rehab” services to firefighters.  The Minnesota State Fire Marshal’s Office has been called in to investigate the cause of the blaze.  The American Red Cross was also contacted to provide assistance to those displaced by the fire.

Every fire department has at least one of these wonderful people, if not several.  They are the firefighters who go above and beyond the call of duty.  It may not be a heroic or daring rescue that gets them noticed.  It may be something as simple as organizing a 9-11 tribute or being the Master of Ceremonies at a special event for a developmentally challenged person.  The Hibbing Fire Department has one of these dedicated people.  His name is Captain Chris Petrack. 

I have known Chris Petrack for many years.  I watched him “grow” as a firefighter and EMT in the Eveleth Fire Department and later excel as a paramedic and officer at the Hibbing Fire Department.  His passion for the fire service goes beyond just knowing the profession.  Chris Petrack is a true professional in what he does and how he shows it.  He studies tactics, gets heavy into training,and more importantly, shares what he has learned with his brother and sister firefighters.  Frankly, I don’t think I have ever met a more intelligent firefighter.  His “love” for firefighting is very evident when you talk to him.  Actually, it kinda grows on you.  You can’t help but respect him after your conversation.  Chris Petrack is really into firefighting!

Chris Petrack’s talents for organizing things is incredible.  This past year, he helped put together the 9-11 Memorial event at the Hibbing Fire Department.   Later, during Fire Prevention Week, Chris Petrack emceed the Honorary Firefighter presentation for Harold Koenig of Hibbing. What an event that was!  I really have to wonder what he is planning next.  I know one thing, it is going to be great.

I could say volumes about what I have learned from Chris Petrack, but let me just say it is a lot.  From Rapid Intervention Team tactics to the workings of an ARMER portable radio, Chris Petrack has certainly shown and taught me many things about the firefighting profession.  Thank you, Chris!  You have no idea what you have instilled in me and how much you have personally impacted me.  You certainly have made a difference in this firefighter’s life!  And, with that,it gives me great honor to announce that Captain Chris Petrack of the Hibbing Fire Department is the November Firefighter of the Month.  Peter Makowski-Editor, The Northland Fire Wire.

Captain Chris Petrack-November Firefighter Of The Month

October 19 – The Minnesota State Fire Marshal’s Office and the St. Louis County Sheriff’s Department are continuing to investigate a house fire in Grand Lake Township.  The blaze was reported around 7:45 p.m. at 5327 Nelson Road.  The house, which was vacant at the time, is being reported as a total loss.  The Grand Lake, Canosia, Solway Township, Hermantown and the Air National Guard fire departments were dispatched to the fire.  There were no reports of any injuries.

October 18 – Eveleth and Fayal firefighters were dispatched early this morning to a report of a kitchen fire.  The fire was in the 700 block of Garfield Street.  One of the occupants in the apartment house was able to knock down the fire with a fire extinguisher.  Damages were contained to the kitchen stove and some overhead kitchen cabinets.  Damage estimates were put around $6,000.  No injuries were reported  The Mountain Iron Fire Department was also called to provide a Rapid Intervention Team (RIT).