August 29 – The Babbitt, Ely, and Embarrass fire departments were dispatched this evening to a garage fire in Babbitt. The fire was reported around 6:10 p.m. on Basswood Circle. Due to a quick response by Babbitt crews, the fire was quickly contained to the interior of the garage. An ATV, riding lawnmower, and the contents inside the garage were a total loss, along with the garage itself. The Ely and Embarrass fire departments were cancelled and the Babbitt Ambulance Service provided medical standby at the scene. No injuries were reported. While the cause of the fire remains under investigation, it is speculated that the blaze started shortly after the riding lawnmower was driven into the garage.

August 27 – Hibbing firefighters were dispatched this morning to rescue a young boy who had become trapped in a tree. The incident was reported in the Birch Court Apartment Complex on 40th Street East in Hibbing. The adventurous youngster climbed up the tree, but later became scared to climb down. Hibbing firefighters used a ground ladder to climb up the tree and assisted the boy in climbing back down.

August 23 – The Cook, Orr, Greenwood Township, and the Vermilion Lake fire departments were dispatched this evening (Friday) to a structure fire in Beatty Township near Cook. The fire was reported around 7:45 p.m. in the 8500 block of the Beatty Road. A hot tub building and a house were engulfed in flames when the first firefighters arrived. The occupant of the house received numerous burns and was transported by ambulance to a Duluth hospital. The cause of the fire is under investigation.

Here’s a great opportunity to learn about the EMS and Fire professions. Spread the word to those who may be interested

August 6 – In Clinton Township this evening, part of the activities for National Night Out included the 1st Annual Water Wars event put together by the Clinton Fire Department. The competition was held at the Clinton Townhall on State Highway 37. When all the water was done being sprayed, the Clinton Fire Department emerged as the champions, followed by Kinney-Great, McDavitt, and Cherry. The winning team will receive a travelling trophy and bragging rights. The set up for Water Wars was provided by Holmes Recycling of Clinton. Photos courtesy of Erin Theodore, Clinton Fire Department.

The Industrial Fire Department recently received some good news from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. The department was informed on July 17 that it will be getting an Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) in the amount of $113, 047.61. The monies are for Firefighter Operations and Safety.

July 28 – Six Iron Range fire departments were on the scene of a possible structure fire at the former Mountain Iron State Bank in downtown Mountain Iron. The fire was reported around 9:00 p.m. An overheated light ballast ignited some insulation causing a small fire which filled the building with smoke. All of the occupants were able to safely evacuate the building and no injuries were reported. Departments responding included: Mountain Iron, Virginia, Eveleth, Clinton, Kinney-Great Scott, and Pike-Sandy-Britt.

July 27 – Firefighters from Clinton, Cherry, McDavitt, and the Minnesota DNR battled a wildland fire this evening in a remote section of Clinton Township. The fire was reported around 5:50 p.m. near the intersection of St. Louis County Highway 7 and the Keenan Road. The fire consumed an estimated four acres. Crews were on the scene for over four hours. No injuries were reported. The cause of the fire is under investigation.