February 6 – An early morning fire has destroyed the main lodge at the Lutsen Resort, located along the North Shore of Lake Superior. According to the Cook County Sheriff’s Department, the fire was reported around 12:24 A.M. Employees had noticed smoke coming from the floor of the building. When fire crews arrived, the lodge was engulfed in flames. Firefighters from the Lutsen, Tofte, Grand Marais, Maple Hill, Gunflint, Finland, Silver Bay, and Grand Portage fire departments battled the huge blaze. The building is a total loss. There were no guests at the lodge when the fire broke out. No injuries were reported. The cause of the fire is under investigation by the Minnesota State Fire Marshal’s Office. Photos courtesy of WDIO-TV and Kate Batten (bottom photo).

January 21 – A trailer home in Clinton Township is considered a total loss after a late morning fire. The blaze was reported around 11:00 A.M. in the 4300 block of the Elbow Lake Road. The blaze was fought by crews from Clinton Township, Cherry Township, Kinney-Great Scott and Fayal Township. No injuries were reported. The cause of the fire is under investigation.

January 19 – Hibbing and Keewatin firefighters were on the scene of a garage fire in rural Hibbing this evening. The fire was reported just before 6:00 P.M. in the 12000 block of Townline Road. The fire was contained to the interior of the garage. No injuries were reported and the cause is under investigation by the Hibbing Fire Marshal’s Office.

January 13 – A trailer house in Hibbing was destroyed by fire this evening. The blaze was reported around 7:45 P.M. at the Birchlane Trailer Court, just off of 41st Street East. Arriving firefighters found the trailer engulfed in flames when they arrived. The Hibbing, Chisholm, and Keewatin fire departments were on the scene, while the Virginia Fire Department was enroute and later cancelled. The trailer house was vacant at the time and is considered a total loss. No injuries were reported and the cause of the fire is under investigation by the Hibbing Fire Marshal’s Office.

January 8 – The Virginia Department handled 4,670 calls in 2023. The information was released today by fire department officials. The department had 4,165 EMS related calls with another 505 calls related to fire and rescue responses. Regarding fire calls, 24 involved 1 or 2 family dwelling fires and 17 were multi family dwelling fires.

The Northland Fire Wire congratulates Jim Sallis of the Hibbing Fire Department on his recent promotion to Battalion Chief. Sallis worked his way through the ranks, plus being President of Local 173 of the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF). Sallis (left) is pictured with Hibbing Fire Chief Erik Jankila. He began his new duties on January 1st. Photo: Hibbing Fire Department.

Cancer has become a leading cause of death for firefighters. The good news is that in many cases, it can be prevented. If you’re a firefighter who has questions or concerns about cancer, the Minnesota Firefighter Initiative (MnFIRE) is ready to help.

January 8 – Chisholm firefighters battled a fuel oil truck fire this morning on Highway 169 near Buhl. The fire was reported around 9:45 A.M. in the eastbound lane. Arriving firefighters quickly knocked down the fire and kept it contained to the rear section of the truck. The vehicle was carrying 1,400 gallons of fuel oil at the time. Fire officials told The Northland Fire Wire that there were no leaks. The Chisholm Police Department, St. Louis County Sheriff’s Department and Minnesota State Patrol closed down the highway and diverted traffic away from the fire scene for about an hour. No injuries were reported. The Mountain Iron Fire Department was also dispatched, but was cancelled while enroute.

The City of Hibbing has a new Fire Marshal. Shawn Nickila began his new position on January 2nd. He had previously served as a Batallion Chief. Nickila (right) is pictured with Hibbing Fire Chief Erik Jankila.