Just prior to the Gilbert 3rd of July Parade, five year old Henry Schack became an Honorary Fayal Firefighter. Henry, who has battled cancer twice, always wanted to be a firefighter and the Fayal Fire Department pulled out all the stops to make his wish come true. Through the efforts of Fire Chief Steve Shykes, Henry received a full set of turnout gear. In addition, a collection was started so Henry could travel to Disneyland as part of the Make A Wish Program. Area firefighters and fire departments also participated in the event. “The support we received was absolutely incredible,” said Chief Shykes. “It was a great effort and we’re so delighted we could help Firefighter Henry. He’s one of our brothers now.”

Honorary Fayal Firefighter Henry Schack and his turnout gear.

Hibbing EMS and Fire personnel were dispatched this evening to
a report of a small plane crash at the Chisholm-Hibbing Range Regional Airport. The plane crashed nose first on the far end of the main runway. The incident was reported around 8:45 p.m. The pilot was not injured. A small amount of fuel was spilled. The airport was shutdown for a short period of time. The cause of the crash is being investigated by the FAA.

May 26-An RV was destroyed as the result of an afternoon fire in Fayal Township. The fire was reported on the Scout Camp Road. Firefighters from Fayal Township, Eveleth, and Gilbert responded to the fire, along with the Minnesota DNR. An Eveleth ambulance was also on the scene for medical standby. The cause of the fire is under investigation. Photo courtesy of Abbey Cherrington.

May 22 – Virginia firefighters, with the assistance of the Fayal Township and Mountain Iron fire departments, battled an excavator fire at the St. Louis County Regional Landfill. The fire was reportedly just before 7:00 p.m. The excavator was a total loss. No injuries were reported. The cause of the fire is under investigation.

May 18-A semi truck-trailer fire in the northbound lane of US Highway 53 near Canyon forced the closing of the busy highway early this morning. The truck and trailer were extensively damaged. Fire departments responding to the incident included: Grand Lake, Alborn, Northland, Cotton, Meadowlands, and Ellsburg Township. The cause of the fire is under investigation. Photo courtesy of WDIO-TV.

May 16-Two people were treated by Ely ambulance personnel for possible smoke inhalation as a result of an early morning house fire in Ely. The fire was reported around 4:30 a.m. at 463 11th Avenue East. Firefighters were able to quickly knock down the fire, which was contained to a utility room. Ely firefighters were assisted by crews from Morse-Fall Lake and Babbitt. The cause of the fire is under investigation.

May 17 – Three Iron Range fire departments responded this afternoon to a report of a fire at a popular Gilbert restaurant. The Gilbert, Eveleth, and Fayal departments were dispatched around 3:30 to The Whistling Bird on Broadway Street. There was a small fire on an outside wall, which was extinguished by a passerby. Firefighters checked to make sure that the fire had not extended into the rest of the building. No injuries were reported. The cause of the fire is under investigation by the Gilbert Police Department and the Gilbert Fire Department.

The Virginia Fire Department and the Minnesota State Fire Marshal’s Office are continuing the investigation into the cause of the April 21st fire which destroyed a southside Virginia home. The blaze in the 500 block of 8 1/2 Street South sent two people to Duluth area hospitals. Eleven fire departments were involved in fighting the fire.

May 6 – An early morning fire in Chisholm sent six people,including three children, to the Hibbing hospital for possible smoke inhalation. The blaze was reported around 5:30 a.m. at 3rd Avenue NW and 13th Street NW. Heavy smoke and flames were seen coming from the house when crews arrived. Chisholm, Hibbing, Buhl, and French Township fought the fire from a defensive mode. The fire spread to a nearby garage. Both the house and garage are considered a total loss. The Minnesota State Fire Marshal’s Office,Chisholm Fire Department, and Chisholm Police Department are investigating the cause of the fire. Chisholm Fire Chief Bob Brown said all of those taken to the hospital were treated and released.