The Northland FireWire

November 21 – The Bearville, Cook, Evergreen, and French Townships were dispatched this evening to a trailer house fire in Morcom Township, west of Cook. The fire was reported around 7:00 P.M. in the 9200 block of the Range Line Road. The house was engulfed in flames when the first firefighters arrived. According to the St. Louis County Sheriff’s Department, three dogs died in the blaze. A firefighter was also treated on the scene by the Cook Ambulance Service fo smoke inhalation. The Northland Chapter of the American Red Cross is assisting the homeowner. The cause of the fire is under investigation by the St. Louis County Sheriff’s Department and the Minnesota State Fire Marshal’s Office.

November 12 – Fire departments from across the Iron Range battled a major fire in downtown Eveleth today. The fire was reported around 5:35 A.M. at an apartment building in the 300 block of Grant Avenue. Flames and heavy smoke were seen coming from the second story at the back of the building, located right next to Johnny D’s Bar. At the height of the blaze, aerial ladders from Gilbert, Virginia, and Biwabik were put into operation. The firefighting operation taxed the city’s water supply so much that water from nearby communities had to be brought in by water tenders. Departments on the scene included: Eveleth, Fayal, Gilbert, Mountain Iron, Virginia, Clinton, Biwabik, Makinen, Pike-Sandy-Britt, Colvin Township, Cook, Palo, McDavitt, Aurora, Hoyt Lakes and Lakeland. The Minnesota Air National Guard 148th Fire Department provided an air supply system to fill air bottles. The Eveleth Ambulance Service provided medical standby. No injuries were reported. The Minnesota State Fire Marshal’s Office is investigating the cause of the blaze.

The Northland Fire Wire website and The Northland Fire Wire Facebook Page salute our country’s veterans for their service to our country!

November 9 – A house fire in Aurora has taken the lives of one man and his three dogs. The blaze was reported around 6:30 P.M. at 17 West 6th Avenue North. The back end of the two story structure was engulfed in flames and heavy smoke. A nearby neighbor attempted to enter the house several times, but was unsuccessful because of the intense smoke and flames. After the fire was knocked down, firefighters found the bodies of 70 year old Mark Weyandt and his dogs (George, Marsha, and Abigail). The East Range Police Department and the Minnesota State Fire Marshal’s Office are investigating the cause of the fire. Departments on the scene included: Aurora, Hoyt Lakes, and Palo. The Hoyt Lakes Ambulance Service provided medical standby and rehabilitation services.

November 5 – A 37 year old woman and her 12 year old son were severely burned in an explosion and fire at a cabin/hunting shack in Balkan Township, north of Chisholm. The fire was reported around 10:45 A.M. in the 11600 block of Countryside Lane Northeast. Although badly burned, the two victims were able to walk to a neighbor’s house. The Chisholm and Hibbing ambulance services transported both to the Hibbing hospital. The two were later taken by fixed wing medical aircraft to the Hennepin Burn Center in Minneapolis. The names of the victims have not yet been released pending notification of family members. According to the St. Louis County Sheriff’s Department, a 20 lb propane tank and heater were being used at the time to heat the cabin and caused the explosion and fire. The building was a complete loss. Departments responding to the incident included: Chisholm, French Township, Hibbing, and Buhl. The cause of the explosion and fire remains under investigation by the St. Louis County Sheriff’s Department and the Minnesota State Fire Marshal’s Office.

November 5 – Clinton Township EMS and fire department personnel responded this morning to a vehicle crash and fire. The incident was reported around 7:10 A.M. in the 9000 block of Highway 37. The vehicle was destroyed. The driver was treated on the scene by the Virginia Ambulance Service, but was not transported.

October 31 – Area tick or treaters made visits to a couple of Iron Range fire departments Halloween night. The youngsters picked up treats at the Biwabik and Eveleth fire stations. ”It was a delight to have them stop in,” said one Eveleth official. ”They were very polite and well mannered.”

November 1 – An afternoon fire destroyed a chicken coop/hog building in rural Hibbing. The fire was reported around 3:55 P.M. in the in the 3200 block of 23rd Avenue East (Tapala Road). The building was a total loss, but all of the pigs and chickens were able to escape. No human injuries were reported. The Hibbing, Chisholm, and Keewatin fire departments were on the scene while the Virginia Fire Department provided standby at the Hibbing Fire Department headquarters. The cause of the fire is under investigation.

October 30 – Work is continuing on the construction of Chisholm’s new public safety building. The $11 million dollar project is being funded by federal, state, and local resources. When completed next year, the building will house Chisholm’s police, ambulance, and fire departments.

October 28 – Several dozen residents from the Colvin Township area stopped in at this afternoon’s open house and chili feed hosted by the Colvin Fire Department. The event, held at the townhall, allowed firefighters to talk about the department and to provide tours of the firehall. At least five kinds of chili, ranging from mild to hot were offered. ”We had a wonderful time meeting our community member,” said Colvin firefighter Evan Sandstede. ”We are thankful for our community support!”