The City of Hibbing and the Hibbing Fire Department are moving ahead with the purchase of a new aerial apparatus. The aerial will be built by Rosenbauer America, located in Wyoming, Minnesota. Hibbing Fire Chief Erik Jankila told The Northland Fire Wire that the cost is estimated around $1.99 million. It will be about two years before the truck is built, which is not considered unusual because of demand and other possible manufacturing delays. The new aerial will replace the department’s current 30 year old ladder truck.

The Silica Volunteer Fire Department, which serves an area south of Hibbing along Minnesota Highway 73, is looking for community minded people who want to join the department. If you’re 18 or older, please consider applying. For more information, contact Jake at 218-262-6501.

January 5 – Firefighters from four fire departments (Colvin Township, Makinen, Palo, Central Lakes) were dispatched around 11:20 this morning to a structure fire in Colvin Township. The fire, in the 2700 block of the Lowe Road, turned out to be a chicken coop. The building is considered a total loss, but all the chickens and ducks managed to survive. The cause of the fire is under investigation.

January 4 – There was a structure fire tonight (Saturday) in Rice Lake. Here’s the official media release from the St. Louis County Sheriff’s Department.

December 8 – Lakeland, Palo, and Fayal Township firefighters spent this afternoon battling a garage-house fire in the Lakeland area, south of Biwabik. The blaze was reported around 12:40 p.m. in the 4400 block of the Vermilion Trail/County Highway 4. Firefighters contained most of the damage to the garage area, although the house had smoke damage. No injuries were reported. The cause of the fire is under investigation.

December 13 – Four Iron Range fire departments (Virginia, Eveleth, Mountain Iron, Hibbing) were dispatched around 3:00 this afternoon to a report of a fire at the Copper Nickel Restaurant at the Virginia Golf Course. According to Virginia Deputy Fire Chief Erik Jonassen, a small fire was contained to a storage room. Virginia firefighters were able to ventilate the building. The Eveleth, Mountain Iron and Hibbing departments were cancelled while enroute. The restaurant was able to re-open just in time for a Christmas party. No injuries were reported and the cause of the fire is under investigation.

December 11 – The Eveleth Fire Department, in cooperation with the Woodlands Bible Church in Eveleth, held its yearly Christmas Food Drive. Fire department personnel travelled throughout the city, picking up non-perishable food items left out by city residents. “The food drive was a great success,” said Eveleth Fire Chief Guy Spurlin. “We know this will really make a brighter Christmas for a lot of less fortunate families.”

November 30 – The annual Stuff The Ambulance wrapped up today at the McDonald’s on 12th Avenue South in Virginia. Organizers told The Northland Fire Wire that $2117 was raised during the two day event , along with 708 toys/donations. Those participating inc.uded: Virginia EMS/Fire, Virginia Police Lt. Swenson (Blue Santa), VFD Retired Captain Gwen Webb, Mountain Iron Fire Department, Gilbert Police Department, Kinney Great Scott Fire Department, and the St. Louis County Sheriff’s Department.

November 15 – A memorial service was held this morning for Lakeland Firefighter/First Responder Dan Hanson, who passed away on Thursday, November 7, after a courageous battle against pancreatic cancer. Dan, age 61, retired from the Virginia Police Department as a lieutenant. He was also a Cub Scout and Boy Scout leader. ” Dan was a true public servant,” said Lakeland Fire Chief Mike Plesha. “He was always willing to help someone out.” The memorial service was held at Our Saviors Lutheran in Aurora.

November 15- A late night fire in rural Hibbing resulted in the loss of a garage. The fire was reported around 10: 00 p.m. in 11,000 block of Townline Road. The Hibbing, Chisholm, Keewatin, and Virginia fire departments were dispatched to the blaze. No injuries were reported. The cause of the fire is under investigation by the Hibbing Fire Marshal’s Office.