February 27 – The Orr Fire Department has a rather unusual public assist call tonight.  The engine of a Canadian National train was overheating and needed water.  The fire department was dispatched and quenched the thirst of the train engine.  Always something new in the fire service!

Photo courtesy of the Orr Fire Department

The Duluth Fire Marshal’s Office is continuing to investigate the cause of a fire at the former headquarters of Gold Cross Ambulance(211 East 2nd Street).  Just before 4:30 a.m. on Wednesday, February 26, a Duluth engine company was dispatched to a report of smoke in the area of 2nd Avenue East and 2nd Street.  The crew discovered smoke coming from the building and requested a full alarm response.  At the height of the blaze, 30 fire personnel and apparatus from throughout the city were on the scene, along with assistance from the Air National Guard Fire Department.  The building had three occupants: RLBCI(Red Lake Band of Chippewa Indian Outreach Center), a microbrewery operation and an auto repair shop.  The fire was contained to the body shop area in the center of the building.  There was smoke damage throughout the structure.  One firefighter suffered a minor shoulder injury.  Initial damage estimates are in excess of $150,000.

Photo: WDIO-WIRT TV

February 27 – Firefighters from seven Iron Range fire departments battled a house fire in rural Hibbing this afternoon.  The blaze was reported shortly after 4:00 p.m. in the Leetonia area.  The house received extensive damage.  Firefighters had to deal with sub-zero temperatures which caused problems for the apparatus and the water supply. Crews from Hibbing, Chisholm, Keewatin, Nashwauk, Cherry, Buhl and Virginia were all involved in the firefighting efforts.  The cause of the fire is under investigation by the Hibbing Fire Marshal’s Office and the Minnesota State Fire Marshal’s Office.