January 21 – Firefighters from Eveleth, Fayal Township, Gilbert, Virginia, and Mountain Iron were dispatched to a garage fire in Eveleth this afternoon. The fire was reported around 2:45 p.m. in the 700 block of South South. The garage was totally engulfed in flames when the first crews arrived. No injuries were reported and the cause is under investigation. The Eveleth Ambulance Service provided medical standby at the scene.

January 3 – A true advocate for fire departments in Minnesota has retired. Todd Vogelgesang, better known as “Tin Shed Todd” was able to get virtually millions of dollars in excess property to departments, especially those serving the small rural communities. From hose to nozzles to turn-out gear to apparatus, Todd was the “go to” person who seemed to be always there to help. The walls in his Grand Rapids office contained dozens of pictures of surplus engines and water tenders which went to fire departments. The “tin shed” contained all kinds of surplus equipment including those infamous green army blankets. Minnesota DNR officials have high praised for Todd. “He changed the world for local fire departments one piece of re-purposed excess federal property at a time,” said an official DNR statement. “He has built a long-standing and incredible career (over 40 years) extending generosity, support, and dependability to those who deserve it most, Minnesota’s rural fire department.

Short in stature, but tall in the minds of the state’s fire service, Todd started out his Minnesota DNR career in the early 1980’s as a fire planner. In this position, Todd and his team quickly recognized that the small, rural fire departments struggled to prevent and control wildfires because they lacked basic tools and fire suppression equipment. One of Todd’s team members discovered that federal agencies and the military had collected a so called “plethora” of idle equipment ranging from trucks to even medical supplies. This equipment would greatly benefit the rural fire programs and departments. Todd was promoted to Excess Property Fire Specialist in 1982. The rest, as most of us know, is history. Todd’s hard work resulted in the Minnesota DNR’s current Rural Fire Program.

One of Todd’s greatest attributes included his ability to reach out across the state to let the rural fire programs and firefighters know about the Federal Excess Property Program. Whether it was a regional fire school or the Minnesota State Fair, Todd and the team were there spreading the word. Upon his retirement, Todd recognizes that much more work needs to be done as small towns, especially those with fewer than 10,000, need even more assistance. Todd and his incredible team built the program from the ground up. While Todd has now transitioned to retired life, he departments knowing the program he helped to build is left in the hands of his incredible Minnesota DNR Team. Thank you, Todd! Please know that what you have done to help Minnesota’s fire department is beyond words.

The Superior Fire Department provided an aerial ladder and a crew to assist the Duluth Fire Department during the recent fire at the former Seaway Hotel in the Lincoln Park area.

January 5 – Ely and Babbitt firefighters battled a house fire late tonight in Ely. The fire was reported around 11:55 p.m. in the 300 block of East Camp Street. An Ely Fire Department official told the Fire Wire that the stubborn fire was contained to the second floor and attic area. There were no injuries. The cause is under investigation. The Ely Ambulance Service provided medical standby at the scene.

January 2 – Chisholm, Hibbing, and French Township firefighters battled a house fire in Chisholm this afternoon. The fire was reported around 12:30 in the 600 block of 2nd Avenue Northwest. The home appeared to have extensive damage. No injuries were reported and one cat in the house escaped without injury. The Chisholm Ambulance Service provided medical standby and rehab services for the firefighters. The cause of the fire is under investigation.

January 2 – Two residents from an Eveleth duplex were displaced this morning due to a fire. The fire was reported around 8:40 a.m. in the 500 block of Jackson Street. Firefighters were able to contain the fire to the basement area, although smoke filled the entire structure. One occupant was treated for smoke inhalation. No other injuries were reported and five cats were located, all unharmed. The fire departments responding to the call included: Eveleth, Virginia, Fayal Township, Gilbert, and Mountain Iron. The Eveleth Ambulance Service provided medical standby at the scene. The cause of the fire remains under investigation by the Minnesota State Fire Marshal’s Office. The American Red Cross-Northland Chapter is assisting those displaced by the fire.

December 31 – The Hibbing, Keewatin, Chisholm, and Virginia fire departments were dispatched around 7:30 this evening to a fire alarm at L & M Radiator on 37th Street in Hibbing. Arriving Hibbing firefighters discovered a fire in a paint booth in the production area of the facility. The building’s sprinkler system contained the fire to the paint booth area. The remaining fire was quickly extinguished by firefighters, although a large part of the building was filled with smoke. Hibbing and Keewatin firefighters were on the scene while the Chisholm and Virginia fire departments were cancelled while enroute. No injuries were reported and no damage estimate is available. The cause of the fire is under investigation. Damages were estimated around $5,000.

December 31 – Four Iron Range fire departments were on the scene of an early morning house fire in Hibbing. The blaze was reported shortly before 6:00 a.m. in the 3300 block of the Bunker Road. Arriving firefighters found the house already engulfed in flames. The unoccupied house is a total loss. No injuries were reported. Fire departments on the scene included: Hibbing, Cherry, Clinton, and Virginia. The Silica and Toivola fire departments were also dispatched, but were cancelled while enroute. The cause of the fire has been ruled suspicious as the house was vacant and had no power. The investigation is being conducted by the Hibbing Fire Marshal and the Minnesota State Fire Marshal’s Office. Those with any information about the fire are asked to call Hibbing Fire Marshal Rossi Gangl at: 218-421-3942.

December 27- Cooking fires are the leading cause of residential fires and home fire injuries. Each year, fire departments across the United States respond to an estimated average of nearly 188,000 cooking fires in residential buildings. These fires also cause an estimated 165 deaths and 3,330 injuries. Cooking fires can be prevented. Never leave your stove or cooktop unattended while cooking. Keep your cooking area clean and free of combustible materials. Keep a fire extinguisher nearby. By following these few tips, everyone can prevent a cooking fire from occurring and therefore eliminate a needless tragedy.