The Northland FireWire

October 13 – A late night fire in Eveleth resulted in the destruction of two garages. The fire was reported around 9:30 P.M. in the 700 block of Harrison Street. Arriving fire crews found one garage totally engulfed in flames with a nearby garage with two vehicles inside also on fire. The Eveleth, Fayal, Mountain Iron, Virginia and Gilbert fire departments responded on the first alarm while the Clinton and Central Lakes departments came in on the second alarm. The Eveleth Ambulance Service was on the scene to provide medical standby. No injuries were reported. The Minnesota State Fire Marshal’s Office is investigating the cause of the fire.

October 15 – Firefighters from Eveleth, Fayal, Virginia, Mountain Iron, and Gilbert were dispatched this evening to an apartment house fire in Eveleth. The fire was reported around 8:50 P.M. in the 700 block of Garfield Street. Firefighters contained most of the fire to the basement area, although the rest of two story building had smoke damage. Eleven cats perished in the fire, and another one is missing. No human injuries were reported. Three people were displaced by the fire and th eNorthland Chapter of the American Red Cross was contacted. Departments on the scene included: Eveleth, Fayal, Mountain Iron, Gilbert, and Virginia. The Eveleth Ambulance Service provided medical standby at the scene while the Eveleth Police Department was there for traffic control. The Minnesota State Fire Marshal’s Office is investigating the cause of the fire.

October 13 – The Aurora, Hoyt Lakes, and Palo fire departments battled a trailer house fire in White Township this evening. The fire was reported around 7:50 p.m. in the 5400 block of Poplar Street, which is just outside of Aurora. Arriving firefighters found the unoccupied trailer house engulfed in flames. No injuries were reported. The cause of the fire is under investigation by the St. Louis County Sheriff’s Department and the Minnesota State Fire Marshal’s Office. The Hoyt Lakes Ambulance Service provided medical standby at the scene.

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) reports that cooking fires are the leading cause of home fires and home fire injuries. Because of cooking fires are so devastating, the theme for this year’s Fire Prevention Week is Cooking Safety starts with YOU! Here are some Cooking Safety tips from the U.S. Fire Administration.

October 8 – Dozens of people from the Biwabik area turned out for this year’s Open House at the Biwabik Fire Department. Some of the activities included: fire extinguisher checks and demonstrations, chili cook off, coloring contest, and fire engine rides. The North Memorial Air Care 7 crew, which is based out of the Eveleth-Virginia Airport, also made an appearance. ”We had a good turnout,” said Biwabik Fire Chief Dan Mackey. ”We always like it when folks visit us during Fire Prevention Week!” Photos courtesy of the Biwabik Fire Department.

October 5 – The weather was certainly not the best, but Virginia’s annual Open House was a huge success. The Friends of Virginia Public Safety estimated that they served 500 with their famous ”Tacos In A Bag.” Virginia EMS/Fire personnel conducted a vehicle extrication demonstration. Vendors included: Essentia Health, Minnesota DNR, Range Mental Health Center, CertServe, and Virginia Fire Fighters Local 390. The St. Louis County Sheriff’s Department and St. Louis County Rescue Squad also participated.

A sure sign that Fall is upon us is when the Pike-Sandy-Britt Fire Department announces its annual spaghetti dinner. For a great time and great food, check it out.

Construction work is continuing on a new rescue/wildland fire rig for the Embarrass Fire Department. The chassis for the apparatus was obtained through the Minnesota DNR Excess Property Program. It has a DT-466 engine and automatic transmission on a 2006 International chassis. A local fabricator is building the cabinetry and body for the rig. Photo: Embarrass Fire Department

September 11 – The American flag was displayed by two aerial apparatus in downtown Ely this morning.

September 11 – Virginia and Eveleth firefighters battled a garage fire this morning in the Midway area of Virginia. The fire was reported around 6:45 a.m. on Telegraph Drive. Firefighters quickly contained the fire to the interior of the garage. No injuries were reported. The Minnesota State Fire Marshal’s Office is assisting the Virginia Fire Department in determining the cause of the fire.