St. Louis County Sheriff’s officials are continuing their investigation into the theft of wheels and tires from a Central Lakes Fire Department wildland rig. The theft occurred between August 28 and August 30. Fire officials told The Northland Fire Wire that the incident was very disheatening and disturbing since “someone would tamper with an emergency vehicle and render it inoperable.” The wildland rig was temporarily parked outside the department’s number one fire station. Those with any information about the theft are asked to call the St. Louis County Sheriff’s Department at 218-749-7134.
Wheels and tires stolen from Central Lakes rig
Virginia FD receives huge AFG award
September 5 – The Virginia Fire Department is receiving a $734,950 Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) from the Department of Homeland Security. Fire department officials were made aware of the grant award this afternoon. The funding will be used for firefighters to train in confined spaces and rope rescue, with an overall goal of leading to a Minnesota Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) team. “We are just excited about this grant,” said Fire Chief Allen Lewis. Lewis credited Battalion Chief Erik Jonassen for spearheading the grant application.
Live fire training in Fayal Township
August 29 – Fayal Township, Eveleth, Gilbert, Lakeland and Central Lakes firefighters participated in live fire training this evening in Fayal Township. The training was conducted at the former Bullfrogs Restaurant. Firefighters learned about fire behavior as well as hands on fire suppression and ventilation tactics.
Trailer house fire in Clinton ruled arson
August 25-An early morning trailer house fire in Clinton Township has been determined to be arson. The blaze was reported just before 4:30 a.m. in the 8400 block of Highway 37. The trailer was extensively damaged and a total loss. No injuries were reported. The Clinton, Cherry, McDavitt, and Fayal Township fire departments responded to the fire. The St. Louis County Sheriff’s Department and the Minnesota State Fire Marshal’s Office are investigating the incident. Anyone with information about the fire is asked to call 911.
Balkan Township trailer house destroyed
August 23 – Firefighters from Chisholm and French Township battled an early morning trailer house fire in Balkan Township. The blaze was reported around 5:00 a.m. in the 6500 block of the North Long Lake Road. The lone occupant of the house was able to safely escape. Neighbors said a huge explosion shook the area around the time of the fire. Chisholm Fire Chief Bob Brown told The Northland Fire Wire that the trailer house was engulfed in flames and on the ground when they arrived. The cause of the fire and explosion is under investigation by the Chisholm Fire Department and the Minnesota State Fire Marshal’s Office.
Railroad equipment damaged in McDavitt Township
August 21- Several St. Louis County fire departments and the Minnesota DNR battled a railroad equipment and wildland fire this afternoon in southern McDavitt Township. A track alignment vehicle caught fire and was extensively damaged. The fire spread into nearby grass and forest and burned less than an acre. The Ellsburg, Cotton, McDavitt, Kelsey, and Central Lakes fire departments were dispatched. The railroad track is used by the Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railroad. No injuries were reported. The cause of the fire is under investigation.
Garage and barn fires in Biwabik Township
August 14 – Over half a dozen fire departments battled a garage and barn fire in Biwabik Township. The fire was reported around 4:35 p.m. on the Pettit Road. Arriving firefighters found a garage and nearby barn engulfed in flames. Both structures were considered a total loss. The cause of the fire is being investigated by the Minnesota State Fire Marshal’s Office. Fire departments on the scene included: Biwabik, Biwabik Township, Lakeland, Fayal Township, Palo, Gilbert, Eveleth, and Mountain Iron. Photos courtesy of Biwabik Township Fire Department.
Ten departments take part in water supply and relay pumping drill
July 18 – Ten Iron Range fire departments participated this evening in a water supply and relay pumping drill at Giant’s Ridge near Biwabik. “This was a great training exercise which allowed us to hone our water supply resources and build a stronger working relationship with all of the participating departments,” said Incident Commander and Fayal Fire Chief Steve Shykes. Water tenders were filled at the Lake Mine Pit and then had to supply drop tanks at Giant’s Ridge. From there, the water was relay pumped to Virginia’s aerial. Those departments participating in the exercise include: Biwabik, Biwabik Township, Lakeland, Fayal, Palo, Makinen, Virginia, Mountain Iron, Eveleth and Central Lakes. The event was hosted by the East Range Fire Department Coalition.
Eveleth garage destroyed
July 18-Firefighters from four Iron Range communities were called this morning to a garage fire in Eveleth. The fire was reported shortly before 7:00 a.m. in an alley in the 700 block of Grant Avenue. The garage was a total loss and a nearby shed was damaged. Fire departments on the scene included: Eveleth, Virginia, Fayal, and Gilbert. The cause of the fire is under investigation.