October 13 – An early morning house fire in the Cook area has been ruled arson. The fire was reported around 6:40 a.m. at 1970 Highway 53. Firefighters from Cook and Orr were dispatched. The damage to the house was described as “moderate.” A reward of $2,500 has been posted. The fire is under investigation by the St. Louis County Sheriff’s Department.
The latest from the Arrowhead Regional Firefighters’ Association
October 14, 2012 By
Here are the minutes from the September meeting of the Arrowhead Regional Firefighters’ meeting, which was held in Rice Lake.
Future meetings:
December 1, 2012-Grand Rapids-Saturday
February 9, 2013-Virginia-Saturday
May 2, 2013-Hermantown-Thursday-5 pm
September 5, 2013-Hibbing-Thursday-5pm
For more information, contact Arrowhead President Bob Brown at 218-996-1913.
Editorial-HFD’s Honorary Firefighter event sends a great message!
October 8, 2012 By
This past Saturday, the Hibbing Fire Department named Harold Koenig as an Honorary Firefighter. The story about Harold, which appeared right here on this website and our Facebook page, has generated a lot of very positive comments. Harold’s story is not unique. Throughout this country, there are many, many people like Harold. Yes, they are challenged and they do have special needs. However, what they have to offer is so much more. For one, their extreme dedication and loyalty can’t be matched. I bet every Hibbing firefighter will tell you that Harold’s love for the fire department and its members is simply remarkable. You could never ask for a more loyal supporter.
The Hibbing Fire Department’s event for Harold sends a strong message to the community. For that matter, it’s a message to everyone. Those who are mentally and physically challenged are wonderful assets that should be treasured and recognized. They represent the best of humanity! These special individuals strive for being accepted and that is very difficult at times. Sadly, there are many who shun these folks because they are a little different. What the Hibbing Fire Department did on Saturday is noble, but more importantly, groundbreaking! I congratulate IAFF Local 173 and Fire Chief Scott Nehiba for stepping forward and taking this wonderful step forward. You have “set the bar” for people like Harold. Now, let’s see who else will take up the challenge!
Fire Prevention Week 2012-Biwabik
October 7, 2012 By
October 7 – Members of the Biwabik Fire Department hosted an Open House today. The event featured tours of the firehall, a coloring contest for children, smoke alarm giveaway and fire truck rides. The open house attracted people of all ages.
Fire truck rides in Biwabik were a real hit with everyone!
Hibbing Fire Department honors its special friend
October 7, 2012 By
October 6 – Hibbing firefighters took a break from the department’s annual Fire Prevention Week Open House and honored a very special friend today. And, what a surprise it was for Harold Koenig of Hibbing, who was officially named as an “Honorary Hibbing Firefighter” and later presented with his very own helmet. Harold, who is developmentally challenged and lives in a group home, has won over the hearts and souls of Hibbing’s firefighters. He spends a lot of time at Hibbing’s main fire station and according to Captain Chris Petrack, “Harold is one of our team.” The idea of making Harold an Honorary Firefighter was a cooperative effort involving IAFF Local 173 and Fire Chief Scott Nehiba. “We really wanted to do something special for him and today was his special day,” said Petrack. “We all felt really great about doing this because Harold is indeed very special to us at Hibbing Fire.”
Honorary Hibbing Firefighter Harold Koenig and HFD Captain Chris Petrack.
Photo: Hibbing Fire Department
Fire Prevention Month 2012-Hibbing
October 7, 2012 By
October 6 – The Hibbing Fire Department put on quite a show today to stress the importance of Fire Prevention Month. The department hosted a whole range of events from an appearance by Sparky the Fire Dog to a vehicle extrication demonstration. Activities were targeted to people of all ages.
Photo: Hibbing Fire Department
Virginia apartment house fire
October 4, 2012 By
October 4- Four Iron Range fire departments (Virginia, Mountain Iron, Eveleth, and Fayal) were dispatched late this morning to a report of an apartment house fire in the southside area of Virginia. The fire was reported in the 1200 block of Second Avenue South. Six apartments were reported to be in the structure. Firefighters were able to contain the blaze to an interior wall. At one time during the fire, one person was rescued from an upper floor apartment and guided down a ladder (see picture). The cause of the fire is under investigation by the Virginia Fire Department and Minnesota State Fire Marshal’s Office.
Photo by Mike Zadra, Northland Fire Wire
October is Fire Prevention Month…Let’s keep this killer under control!
October 2, 2012 By
October is Fire Prevention Month. Throughout Minnesoa, fire departments will conduct open house events or send firefighters to area schools to discuss fire safety. However, there is a growing epidemic in Minnesota and across this country. Fire deaths involving those age 50 and older are on a dramatic increase. So far this year, nearly 72% of the fire deaths in Minnesota are those who are 50+. The causes of these fatal fires vary, but careless smoking is one of the most common. Fire is an equal opportunity killer. It doesn’t matter if you are young or old, rich or poor. Fire never takes a vacation and can strike at a moment’s notice. While we focus a lot of our October fire prevention activities towards the young like school children, we need to be aware that a majority of our fire deaths occur with our older citizens. This month, let’s also focus our fire prevention efforts on getting the word out to our older population. The Minnesota State Fire Marshal’s Office has an excellent Powerpoint presentation, which deals with Senior Fire Safety. This presentation is available through the Fire Marshal’s website. Going to senior group meetings is also a good idea. Let’s keep this killer (fire) under control!
Stubborn roof fire in Mountain Iron
October 2, 2012 By
October 1 – A stubborn roof fire kept firefighters from four Iron Range fire departments busy this afternoon. The fire was reported at a home on Spruce Drive in the Ann’s Acres addition of Mountain Iron. Firefighters from Mountain Iron, Virginia, Eveleth and Fayal Township were dispatched to the scene. The fire was contained to the roof area of the residence. Firefighters spent a considerable amount of time removing insulation from the roof. There were no reports of any injuries. The cause of the fire is under investigation.
Minnesota Fallen Firefighters Memorial is dedicated
October 1, 2012 By
September 30 – An estimated crowd of 4,000 showed up at the State Capitol in St. Paul for the dedication of the Minnesota Fallen Firefighters Memorial. Hundreds of firefighters from throughout the state attended the ceremony. The memorial honors the more than 200 Minnesota firefighters who have died in the line of duty. Those who attended the event called it “impressive.”
