November 3 – The Fayal Fire Department has a new off-road vehicle. The 2022 Polaris XP1000 is equipped with a wildland fire unit, plus it has capabilities for responding to off-road emergencies. The vehicle was purchased from funds the fire department received from the 2021 Geenwood Lake Fire in Lake County. The unit was placed in service on November 1. Photo courtesy of the Fayal Fire Department.

Four Iron Range fire departments (Fayal Township, Gilbert, Mountain Iron, Eveleth) took part in a cooperative training session in Fayal Township on October 26. Fayal Fire Chief Steve Shykes told The Northland Fire Wire that the training session focused on roof operations and ventilation. The hands on exercises were at a vacant house in Fayal Township.

October 13-In a cooperative effort involving five Iron Range fire departments, students at the Laurentian Elementary School in Eveleth were treated to a variety of fire safety talks and demonstrations. The fire departments included: Eveleth, Fayal Township, Gilbert, Virginia, and Mountain Iron. “This is the first time we’ve done such a combined program,” said Virginia Fire Marshal Jake Keehl. Eveleth Deputy Fire Chief Dan Kraskey provided a fire safety talk while firefighters showed off some of their fire and rescue equipment. The Laurentian Elementary School is part of the Rock Ridge School District.

October 11- Dozens of people took in today’s open house at the Virginia Fire Department. The event featured demonstrations, various vendors, and delicious “Tacos In A bag” prepared by the Virginia Friend of Public Safety Organization.

October 10 – Mountain Iron and Gilbert firefighters visited the Mountain Iron-Buhl Elementary School today. The firefighters showed students some of the equipment that they use, plus they provided a fire safety talk.

October 5 – Mountain Iron, Virginia, Eveleth, Gilbert, and Fayal firefighters participated in a coordinated fire drill this morning at the Mountain Iron-Buhl High School and Elementary School complex. The goal of the exercise was to have students and school staff safely evacuate the buildings while firefighters carried out some simulated firefighter activities. In addition, Fayal and Gilbert fire personnel provided some fire safety information to the elementary students.

October 4 – By a unanimous vote, the Virginia City Council has selected Scott Fredrickson to lead the Virginia Fire Department. Fredrickson, who had been serving as Interim Fire Chief for several months, is an 18 year veteran of the department.

September 26 – Following a huge fire the day before, a large part of the former Connor-Jasper Middle School in Bovey was demolished. An official for the Trout Lake Fire Department said the demolition was necessary because of safety concerns. The older part of the school complex was engulfed in heavy fire and smoke on Sunday afternoon (September 25). Eight fire departments from across Itasca County battled the huge blaze. The cause of the fire is under investigation by local authorities and the Minnesota State Fire Marshal’s Office. There were no reported injuries.

September 28 – Dozens of people from the Ely area took part in Ely’s Public Safety Open House. The event featured the fire department, law enforcement agencies, St. Louis County Rescue Squad, Minnesota DNR, and the Ely Ambulance Service.

September 25 – Eight fire departments from across Itasca County battled a huge blaze this afternoon at the former Connor-Jasper Middle School in Bovey. A large part of the complex was already engulfed in smoke and flames when the first crews arrived. Aerial apparatus from Grand Rapids and Hibbing were also dispatched to the fire. Huge roof sections of the building collapsed and fires could be seen burning on several floors. In order to maintain a consistent water supply, water tenders were filled at nearby Trout Lake. Departments on the scene included: Trout Lake, Greenway, Grand Rapids, Nashwauk, Taconite, Cohasset, Warba, and Hibbing. The Meds-1 Ambulance Service provided medical standby at the scene.