July 12 – Firefighters from Pike-Sandy-Britt, Vermilion Lake and Embarrass, along with support from the Minnesota DNR and U.S. Forest Service battled a bridge fire in Pike Township, north of Virginia. The fire was reported around 2:30 p.m. on the West Saari Road. The blaze was so intense that it caused a major part of the wood bridge to collapse. No injuries were reported. The cause of the fire is under investigation, but officials believe it is arson.
Minnesota Energy Holds “live fire” Training in Eveleth
May 31, 2012 By
Firefighters from across the eastern Iron Range had a unique opportunity to participate in some “live fire” training conducted by Minnesota Energy. The training allowed fire personnel to learn how to deal with natural gas fires. Firefighters from Aurora, Palo, McDavitt, Makinen, Virginia, Lakeland, Fayal, Mountain Iron and Eveleth took part in the training. The Eveleth Fire Department served as the host for the event.
Makinen takes delivery of new tender
April 3, 2012 By
The Makinen Fire Department has purchased a new water tender. The apparatus is powered by a Cummins ISC 350 engine with a 2,000 gallon tank, 500 GPM Waterous pump and a Foam Pro 1600 foam system. The tender also carries a 2,500 gallon drop tank. The cost of the apparatus was $227,000. The tender was manufactured by Toyne, Inc. of Breda, Iowa.
Massive Fire Damages or Destroys Five Structures in Virginia
February 6, 2012 By
January 23 – A spectacular early morning fire destroyed or damaged five structures near downtown Virginia. Virginia and Mountain Iron firefighters were dispatched just after 5:00 a.m. to a report of smoke and flames coming from the Grande Ace Hardware warehouse located on Railroad Avenue and 2nd Street South. The blaze quickly spread to another warehouse, a mini storage building, a house and a garage apartment. Firefighters from Eveleth, Gilbert, Fayal Township. Clinton Township, Cherry Township, Pike-Sandy-Britt, Kinney-Great Scott and U.S. Steel were also dispatched to the scene. No injuries were reported, but damages were expected to exceed $500,000. Four people were displaced by the fire. The cause of the blaze is under investigation by the Virginia Police Department and the Minnesota State Fire Marshal’s Office.
Photos by Mike Zadra of The Northland FireWire
Fayal Township Man Dies in Garage Fire
February 6, 2012 By
January 20 – A Fayal Township man died when a late afternoon fire consumed his garage. The victim was identified as 61 year old Gary Peritz. The fire was reported in the 4500 block of Cedar Island Drive. Arriving crews found the garage and a nearby vehicle engulfed in flames. Firefighters from Fayal Township, Eveleth and Gilbert spent several hours on the scene. The cause of the fire remains under investigation by the Minnesota State Fire Marshal’s Office and the St. Louis County Sheriff’s Department.