The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) reports that cooking fires are the leading cause of home fires and home fire injuries. Because of cooking fires are so devastating, the theme for this year’s Fire Prevention Week is Cooking Safety starts with YOU! Here are some Cooking Safety tips from the U.S. Fire Administration.

October 8 – Dozens of people from the Biwabik area turned out for this year’s Open House at the Biwabik Fire Department. Some of the activities included: fire extinguisher checks and demonstrations, chili cook off, coloring contest, and fire engine rides. The North Memorial Air Care 7 crew, which is based out of the Eveleth-Virginia Airport, also made an appearance. ”We had a good turnout,” said Biwabik Fire Chief Dan Mackey. ”We always like it when folks visit us during Fire Prevention Week!” Photos courtesy of the Biwabik Fire Department.

October 5 – The weather was certainly not the best, but Virginia’s annual Open House was a huge success. The Friends of Virginia Public Safety estimated that they served 500 with their famous ”Tacos In A Bag.” Virginia EMS/Fire personnel conducted a vehicle extrication demonstration. Vendors included: Essentia Health, Minnesota DNR, Range Mental Health Center, CertServe, and Virginia Fire Fighters Local 390. The St. Louis County Sheriff’s Department and St. Louis County Rescue Squad also participated.

A sure sign that Fall is upon us is when the Pike-Sandy-Britt Fire Department announces its annual spaghetti dinner. For a great time and great food, check it out.

Construction work is continuing on a new rescue/wildland fire rig for the Embarrass Fire Department. The chassis for the apparatus was obtained through the Minnesota DNR Excess Property Program. It has a DT-466 engine and automatic transmission on a 2006 International chassis. A local fabricator is building the cabinetry and body for the rig. Photo: Embarrass Fire Department

September 11 – The American flag was displayed by two aerial apparatus in downtown Ely this morning.

September 11 – Virginia and Eveleth firefighters battled a garage fire this morning in the Midway area of Virginia. The fire was reported around 6:45 a.m. on Telegraph Drive. Firefighters quickly contained the fire to the interior of the garage. No injuries were reported. The Minnesota State Fire Marshal’s Office is assisting the Virginia Fire Department in determining the cause of the fire.

September 6 – Clinton Township firefighters were dispatched this evening to a report of a train car fire in the Canadian National (CN) rail yard in Iron Junction, southwest of Eveleth. A passerby reported seeing smoke and flames in the yard. Arriving firefighters discovered that CN employees were burning off propane from two large tanks. Clinton Fire Chief Jim Theodore told The Northland Fire Wire that the gas burn-offs would continue for possibly two more days and that residents should not be alarmed when they see the high flames coming from the facility.

For Sale: 1983 Seagrave 75 Quint with master stream. Four-wheel drive. 315 HP Detroit Diesel with Allison transmission. 1,250 GPM Waterous pump. 3KW Onan Diesel generator with reel cord and four halogen lights. 10,075 miles/1024 hours. For more information, contact: Ely Fire Chief Dave Marshall at 218-343-1711. Bids for this apparatus are now being taken at: 2riversauctions.com

September 2 – Hibbing Fire Department Battalion Chief Tony Sikich has successfully passed the Fire Instructor II certification examination. Congratulations Chief Sikich. Submitted photo.