Seven departments battle fire at Hibbing steam plant

June 7 – Firefighters from seven Iron Range fire departments battled a roof fire at the Hibbing Public Utilities steam plant near downtown Hibbing. The fire was reported just before 9:00 p.m. when heavy black smoke was seen coming from the seven story complex. There was a fire on the main floor of the plant, which was extinguished by PUC employees. The working fire was on the roof deck. A large section of the roof insulation and rubber membrane needed to be removed. The fire was declared under control at 10:35 p.m. Damages are estimated at $30,000. No injuries were reported and the cause is under investigation.