Investigation Continues into Downtown Hibbing Fire
March 22, 2008 — Hibbing Fire Marshal Jim Iammatteo tells The Northland Fire Wire that the investigation is continuing into March 20th fire which caused extensive damage to the building housing Sammy's Pizza in downtown Hibbing. "We are looking at a utility room in the back of the building as the possible origin of the blaze," said Iammatteo. "We still have a lot of work to do and we have several investigators coming in to look at the scene. We are also coordinating the investigation with the Minnesota State Fire Marshal's Office and Fire Investigator Terry Christensen, along with the Hibbing Police Department."
According to the Hibbing Daily Tribune, the fire began around 3:00 p.m. in the rear of the two story building and was initially fought by employees from Sammy's Pizza and another downtown business. Approximately 30 minutes later, a call was placed to 911 and the Hibbing Fire Department was dispatched to the scene. "The initial attack quickly knocked down the fire," said Iammatteo. "We spent a lot of time on the scene with salvage and overhaul and crews stayed throughout the night." The Chisholm Fire Department provided a Rapid Intervention Team at the scene.
One person was treated for smoke inhalation and the fire displaced two people who were living in two apartments on the second floor of the building. A damage estimate has not been determined.
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