February 28 – A fast moving fire caused extensive damage to an apartment building in downtown Virginia. The fire was reported around 10:00 a.m. in the 200 block of 3rd Avenue North. Heavy fire and smoke were spotted at the back of the building, which is within a block of the Virginia firehall. The fire quickly spread through the second floor and attic area of the building. A woman occupant was rescued by law enforcement officers and firefighters when the fire cut off her escape route. The nine occupants were displaced and two cats were rescued. Five firefighters received minor injuries. The Northland Chapter of the American Red Cross was assisting the displaced residents. Fire departments responding to the fire alarm included: Virginia, Mountain Iron, Eveleth and Hibbing. A second alarm brought in: Fayal, Gilbert, and Pike-Sandy-Britt. The Chisholm Fire Department provided two apparatus, which were stationed at the Virginia firehall in order to provide fire response in the Virginia area. The Eveleth and Hoyt Lakes ambulance services provided medical standby at the height of the fire. The Minnesota State Fire Marshal’s Office and the Virginia Fire Marshal’s Office are investigating the cause of the fire.
