August 16 – Firefighters from six Iron Range fire departments were kept busy this afternoon as fire caused extensive damage to a house in Virginia’s Southside area. The blaze, located at 709 5th Avenue Sourth, was reported just before 2:30 p.m. by a passerby who quickly called 911. Virginia police officers, who first arrived on the scene, rescued a young woman and two young children. The entire front of the house was engulfed in flames. Virginia firefighters were assisted by crews from Mountain Iron, Eveleth, Fayal Township, Gilbert and Hibbing. The three occupants were treated for smoke inhalation. One firefighter received a minor burn. Firefighters remained on the scene until about 6:00 p.m. The cause of the fire remains under investigation by the Virginia Fire Department, Virginia Police Department and the Minnesota State Fire Marshal’s Office. According to media reports, cause is said to be “suspicious” in nature.
Photo by Michelle Zadra for The Northland Fire Wire