Arson fire destroys Virginia business

April 4 – An early morning fire destroyed the Nelson-Collie Electric building in Virginia’s northside area.  The blaze was reported around 1:00 a.m.  Fire departments from Eveleth, Mountain Iron and Gilbert assisted Virginia firefighters in battling the fire. 

Damages were estimated in excess of $300,000.  One Virginia firefighter sustained a back injury.  An investigation into the cause determined that the fire was arson.