February 17 – An After Action Review (AAR) was held this week (Tuesday-February 15) on the evacuation of the Columbia/Rouchleau apartment complex in Virginia on January 26th. The orderly evacuation was required as a result of a heating emergency (boiler problems) impacting both buildings. With the assistance of multiple agencies, 147 residents and 100 pets were safely moved to the Iron Trail Motors Event Center in Virginia and then to temporary housing at local hotels, motels, and family residences. “Tuesday’s AAR was a great opportunity to review a successful, unprecedented evacuation in the City of Virginia,” said Virginia Fire Chief Allen Lewis, who was also the Incident Commander during the evacuation. “Due to the clear communications and partnerships previously established among the multiple agencies, it was a safe and orderly evacuation. The Virginia Fire Department is grateful for the agencies and personnel who worked seamlessly together in order to assure the safety of all of the evacuees. This event clearly demonstrates the importance of cooperative working relationships as none of us can exist in an operational silo. We serve the public better when we all work together,” added Lewis. Some of the agencies assisting in the evacuation included: the Virginia Housing and Redevelopment Authority, Arrowhead Transit, St. Louis County Public Health, St. Louis County Rescue Squad, Virginia Police Department, American Red Cross, and the AKC Mobile Pet Evacuation Team. The Mountain Iron Fire Department, Biwabik Ambulance Service, Eveleth Ambulance Service, and Tower Ambulance Service were also on standby in case other emergencies occurred in the Virginia area.
