The Cost of Having a Fire
On March 1st, 2001, the Partridge River Plant in Hoyt Lakes was destroyed by fire. Hoyt Lakes Fire Chief Steve Stoks estimated the damages around $20 million. The owner of the company said he would rebuild the wood products operation. Now, he says he won't because of economic reasons. As a result of this decision, around 100 people will end up losing their jobs or transferring to the closest plant in Superior, Wisconsin.
With the permanent closing of the nearby LTV Steel Mining Company, the decision not to rebuild Partridge River was a double blow to the economy of the eastern Iron Range. It came at a very bad time for the region and its people. And, sadly, it serves as a terrible reminder that having a fire goes way beyond dollar loss and the destruction of a business. Fires impact people. In this case, 100 people and their families will feel the effects of this devastating fire for years to come. Indeed, what a terrible cost!