February 11 – A fire this evening in downtown Gilbert caused extensive damage to an apartment house. The Gilbert, Eveleth, Fayal, and City of Biwabik fire departments were dispatched around 9:30 P.M. to the 100 block of Broadway Street South. Heavy smoke and flames were observed coming from back of the building. A second alarm was requested, resulting in a response from the Biwabik Township, Lakeland, Mountain Iron, and Virginia fire departments. One of the occupants was treated on the scene for minor burns. No other injuries were reported. A house next to the building did receive smoke damage. The Gilbert and Eveleth police departments provided traffic control, along with the St. Louis County Sheriff’s Department. The cause of the fire is under investigation, but it is believed to be accidental in nature.
Lakeland Fire Chief Mike Plesha helps to direct firefighting operations on the south side of the building.