Fire destroys United Taconite production truck at Eveleth area mine

July 6 – A late afternoon fire at United Taconite Thunderbird Mine has destroyed one of the mine’s large production trucks. The fire was reported around 5:45 p.m. Firefighters from Eveleth, Virginia, Fayal Township, Clinton, Mountain Iron, Biwabik Township, Central Lakes and U.S. Steel battled the large fire. Heavy black smoke could be seen for many miles, prompting several calls to the St. Louis County Emergency Communications Center. It’s not known if there were any injuries. The cause of the fire is under investigation.