Firefighters Archives

Duluth Fire Department Hires Highest Number of Recruits in Decades

Normally recruits would spend two weeks training at Lake Superior College. this group will do that in spring if COVID-19 positivity rates go down.

January 27, 2022

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- After a mass exodus of 12 retiring firefighters at the end of 2021, the Duluth Fire Department is finishing bringing on its largest new recruit class in decades. 12 new recruits finished onboarding this week. Normally after being hired they would spend two weeks training at Lake Superior College. this group will do that in spring if COVID-19…

Babbitt Community Giving Back To Men and Women Battling Greenwood Fire

On Thursday, departments fighting the Greenwood Fire received a big donation courtesy of the United way and D&D distributors.

August 26, 2021

Reece Lindquist,

BABBITT, Minn. — As the Greenwood Fire rages on, community members and organizations in the town of Babbitt are doing their part to help the men and women on the front lines. “A lot of evacuation and setting up sprinklers on homes and stuff like that just to get people out of the way of danger,” Babbitt EMS Worker, Mike…

Silver Bay 2nd Grader Raises Over $600 to Help Local Fire Departments Battling Wildfires

Over $600 Has Been Raised With Donations Continuing to Pour In

August 26, 2021

Brett Scott,

SILVER BAY, Minn. – Oliver Kochendorfer is 7-years-old and going into 2nd grade in Silver Bay. He wanted to do a popcorn and lemonade stand to help out the firefighters that are working so hard to put out the wildfires in Northeastern Minnesota. Oliver’s mom says he is hoping that all the firefighters stay safe and the fire is out…

Firefighters Continue Battling Greenwood Fire

Firefighters are also monitoring areas of concern along the border of the fire.

August 25, 2021

Reece Lindquist,

ISABELLA, Minn. — On Wednesday more than 400 firefighters on the ground were busy conducting several defensive operations with the help of air resources. One of the main goals is helping to reduce burnable natural fuel near homes and the edge of the fire. “We really gotta make sure highway one is closed to the public,” Greenwood Fire Public Information…

Duluth Fire Department Begins Training at Esmond Building

Normally, Duluth fire crews would do this type of training at the Lake Superior College Emergency Response Training Center out in Gary-New Duluth.

August 5, 2021

Reece Lindquist,

DULUTH, Minn. — The abandoned Esmond building in Lincoln Park has now become the newest training grounds for the Duluth Fire Department. Formerly the Seaway Hotel, the vacant building is set to be torn down in one month. Until then the department will be using the structure for hands-on training in a realistic environment. Firefighters say, the 80 rooms on…

Duluth Fire Marshall Investigating Friday Morning Fire

Initial damage to the building is estimated at $35,000.

January 8, 2021

Reece Lindquist,

DULUTH, Minn. – At 12:28 a.m. Friday morning the Duluth Fire Department responded to a structure fire at 1801 East 2nd Street. All of the residents made it out of the building safely and no injuries were reported. Initial damage to the building is estimated at $35,000. The fire is currently under investigation by the Duluth Fire Marshalls office. Categories:…

Unsafe Structure of Kozy Prolongs Investigation into Cause of Latest Fire, Chief Says

Chief Krizaj said a natural spark like lightning isn't suspected, and no electricity or people were found inside.

November 2, 2020

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- Duluth’s Fire Chief spoke out Monday involving Sunday’s fire, once again at the condemned former Kozy building in Downtown Duluth — with the cause still under investigation. According to the Chief, the fire broke out around 9:50 Sunday morning, on the second floor above the bar. The flames were put out around three in the afternoon. “We got…

WITC Unveils New Fire Truck for More Accurate Real-World Training

The new fire truck is being used for training and driver operations in the fire services program and for drivers in the CDL program to get the feel of driving a different type of rig.

July 31, 2020

Arman Rahman,

SUPERIOR, Wis.- Student firefighters at Wisconsin Indianhead Technical College in Superior have just started training on a new fire truck to practice for more complex and challenging emergencies that life as a firefighter could throw their way. Costing about $250,000, the new truck sports a modern pressure control system, which instructors say helps in transporting water over longer distances in…

Duluth Fire Marshall Investigating Three Separate Fires, Arson Suspected

April 8, 2020

Reece Lindquist,

DULUTH, Minn. – Fire crews in Duluth were busy Tuesday night responding to three fires- all of which could be linked to arson. Crews responded to a structure fire of a vacant two-story home at 213 Mesaba avenue. There was no one inside the structure. The damage is estimated at $25,000. While firefighters were working to contain the Mesaba Avenue…

Firefighter Swearing-In Ceremony ‘Family Affair’ for One New Hire

New firefighter Cameron Kalan following in family's footsteps being a public servant for the city of Superior.

February 13, 2020

Arman Rahman,

SUPERIOR, Wis.- Six new Superior firefighters and the city’s Fire Chief were sworn into duty Thursday. And for one firefighter, the ceremony connected him to his roots. Pride beamed throughout Superior Council Chambers, as excited friends and family watched four new firefighters officially become part of the Superior Fire Department. It was a different type of ceremony, because two of…

Cloquet Fire Sees Most Calls Ever in 2019

The Cloquet Area Fire District responded to just under 3200 calls last year.

January 14, 2020

Arman Rahman,

CLOQUET, Minn.- The Cloquet Area Fire District has seen a very busy 2019, with the largest number of calls in the Department’s history. The Department has responded to just under 3200 calls last year, and 2020 is shaping up to be just as busy. Just last Sunday, they received two calls for fires in one day. But according to Fire…

Superior Fire Department Sees Youngest Force in Years

Half of the department is in their 20s, with less than a year of experience.

January 9, 2020

Arman Rahman,

SUPERIOR, Wis.- The Superior Fire Department started the new year with a new building and new blood, as this is the youngest the Department has been in years. According to Fire Chief Scott Gordon, the last firefighters to retire took with them years of experience. “The three people that just retired we lost 80 years of experience with those three…

Firefighters Battle Esko Home Fire In Freezing Temps

December 11, 2019

Reece Lindquist,

ESKO, Minn. – A space heater is believed to be the cause of a small structure fire in Esko on Wednesday. Wrenshall, Carlton and Esko fire departments responded to the fire around 11 a.m. on Erickson Road. Officials say they take extra precautions during these cold temperatures making scene safety a top priority for firefighters. “Watching where you’re stepping. A…

LSC Hosts First External Fire Department for Training

Firefighters and college learn from training.

October 15, 2019

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- Lake Superior College’s Emergency Response Training Center hosted some visitors from afar–the Rochester Fire Department used the Center for their required fire ground training. The Rochester Fire Department is the first external group to use the recently completed multi-level facility. Firefighters used mock-up buildings called burn boxes to test their ability to go into a structure fire and…

Duluth Council Approves Shawn Krizaj As Fire Chief

Unanimous vote appoints Krizaj after Edwards stepped down.

August 26, 2019

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- On Monday night the Duluth City Council voted 7-0 to appoint Mayor Emily Larson’s choice for the city’s next Fire Chief, Shawn Krizaj. Krizaj has been with the Duluth Fire Department for almost 22 years, starting as a firefighter and working his way up to Deputy Chief. Most recently he became Acting Chief in April, when Dennis Edwards…

Guns and Hoses Play Ball for Good Cause

12th annual Guns and Hoses Charity Softball game raises money for Northern Lights Foundation.

August 7, 2019

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- The bases were loaded, the crowd was pumped, and the players knew all eyes were on them to play a good game, for a great cause. Every year Duluth Firefighters and Police Officers battle it out on the diamond in the 12th Annual Guns and Hoses Charity Softball Game, to raise money for the Northern Lights Foundation, which…

Duluth Fire Department Local 101 Looks to ‘Fill the Boot’ for MDA

The Annual Fill the Boot Campaign is Happening July 29 - 31

July 29, 2019

Brett Scott,

DULUTH, Minn. – It’s time once again to help Duluth Fire Department Local 101 ‘Fill the Boot.’ The annual fundraising campaign supports the Muscular Dystrophy Association, raising critical funds to help transform the lives of kids and adults with muscular dystrophy, ALS, and related muscle-debilitating diseases. The dedicated men and women of Duluth Fire Department take to the streets every…

Duluth Firefighters Save Young Deer Trapped in Fence

Firefighters helped the fawn escape.

July 6, 2019

Viktoria Capek,

DULUTH, Minn.- “Bambi” was spotted on the UMD campus and needed a little help from Duluth Fire Department. The fawn was found trapped in a fence. College police called the fire department to assist in letting the baby deer free. Firefighters said they could see how scared the animal was, but it was an easy call to take care of….

Fire Destroys Moose Lake Motel

Moose Lake Motel considered a total loss after morning fire

March 13, 2019

Ryan Compeau,

MOOSE LAKE, Minn.- Wednesday morning, a fire destroyed a business in Moose Lake. Authorities responded to a warning from a customer just before noon today at the ‘Moose Lake Hotel’ on Arrowhead Lane. The Moose Lake community is in shock after a long-time local business up in flames. Fire and smoke out of the Moose Lake Motel Wednesday morning. Fire…

Remembering Former Fire Chief Larry Bushey

32-Year Firefighter Passes Away

February 11, 2019

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- Duluth Fire Department is remembering the life of longtime former Fire Chief Larry Bushey. He passed away Friday at St. Luke’s Hospital, at the age of 85. His visitation will take place Tuesday from 5pm-7pm at Dougherty Funeral Home. He will be buried in Forest Hill Cemetery. There are many remarkable things about Lawrence Bushey, or Larry as…

Superior City Councilors Make A Push To Hire More Firefighters

The total cost for three firefighters would be $270,000 a year.

October 16, 2018

Haydee Clotter,

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Superior City Councilors Craig Sutherland and Brent Fennessey want to fund three new firefighter positions to the department. They say it’s all about safety and restoring positions cut in past budgets. The total cost for three firefighters would be $270,000 a year, according to Mayor Jim Paine. Councilor Fennessey tells us a majority of the funding, $173,000 would come from the Oil Pipeline Terminal Tax…

Damaged Superior Fire Gear Approved for Replacement

City Council Approves Purchase of New Gear After Husky Explosion Damage

October 2, 2018

Arman Rahman,

SUPERIOR, Wis.- Superior Firefighting gear damaged in the Husky Refinery Explosion is being replaced, thanks to a settlement agreement with the oil refinery company. The Fire Department was approved Tuesday night by the City Council to use the settlement money to purchase new turnout gear. Firefighters who came in contact with hazardous materials during that massive explosion at the Superior…

Anytime Fitness Keeps Firefighters Fit

Superior Fire Dept Receives Donation of Fitness Equipment

August 14, 2018

Arman Rahman,

Superior, WI- Normally firefighters are the ones helping people out. But on Tuesday, they got some much needed help from a local gym. Anytime Fitness donated fitness equipment to the Superior Fire Department, as part of the Department’s Wellness Initiative. Most of the 28 pieces of equipment will go to their new headquarters. The Fire Department said what they received…

Duluth Fire Department One Step Closer To Having Cancer Prevention Gear

The turnout gear can last more than 10 years.

July 9, 2018

Haydee Clotter,

DULUTH, Minn. – Cancer is the leading cause of death among firefighters. The Duluth Fire Department may be getting closer to their goal to make sure each of the 132 firefighters in operation have the proper gear to help prevent cancer. When fire crews respond to a fire, they typically get covered with toxic ash from burnt plastic or other…

Duluth Fire Department Welcomes New Firefighters

All new hires took part in Firefighter I and II basic level of training.

March 5, 2018

Haydee Clotter,

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Fire Department (DFD) is growing after the addition of four new firefighters. The positions opened up after some firefighters retired or left due to long-term disability. The new hires will spend about four months at headquarters before working at outside stations like Spirit Valley and University of Minnesota Duluth. “We have our own hose loads…

Duluth Fire Station is Home to Nearly 100 Years of History

Northland Uncovered: Fire Station 10

February 27, 2018

Natalie Froistad,

DULUTH, Minn. – The City of Duluth is home to eight fire stations. Some of those are nearly 100 years old. That includes Station 10 in Gary New Duluth. It was built in 1927 and was first occupied in 1928. Originally, the building housed both the fire department and police department, along with a library and community center. “We had…

Midday Update 12-11-17

Local News and Weather Headlines in the Northland

December 11, 2017

Brett Scott,

Categories: News Update Tags: Brett Scott, duluth, Firefighters, Headlines, Local, News, Update, weather, William Seay

7 Hospitalized After Carbon Monoxide Poisoning in Virginia

First Responders evaluated for CO Exposure

December 3, 2017

Nikki Davidson,

Seven people were taken to the hospital Sunday morning following carbon monoxide exposure in Virginia. It happened around 10:10 a.m. Sunday on the 1200 block of 19th Street South. Ambulance crews from Virginia, Eveleth and Biwabik were dispatched to the scene. The seven people inside were transported to a local hospital for treatment, with several airlifted to other medical facilities….

Duluth Police Officers and Firefighters to Battle on the Field

10th Annual Guns and Hoses Softball Game

August 21, 2017

Natalie Froistad,

DULUTH, Minn. – This week Duluth Police Officers and Firefighters will be battling on the field all for a good cause. The 10th Annual Guns and Hoses is taking place on Thursday, August 24. Other than the softball game, there will be a K-9 demonstration, fire trucks and police cars on display, and the mounted patrol on hand. Wade Stadium…

Family Event Supports Superior Police and Fire Museum

Coffee Conversation: Superior Public Museums

August 21, 2017

Natalie Froistad,

SUPERIOR, Wis. – This evening the annual mini-golf fundraiser for the Old Firehouse and Police Museum is taking place. The family event runs from 5:00-8:00 p.m., Monday, August 21. There will be mini-golf, hot dogs, drinks and chips for $7.00. Local firefighters and police officers will be onhand to talk with kids and show vehicles. This is all taking place…

Firefighters Rescue Deer From Duluth Harbor

June 4, 2017

Nikki Davidson,

A frightened deer is doing much better after somehow falling into the Duluth Harbor. Duluth firefighters were called in to save the day this weekend. Crews eventually got the deer out of the water and on dry land. The deer was clearly shaken up, but Duluth Firefighters say it is doing fine and was taken to nearby woods with some…

Superior Firefighters Undergo Stress Tests for Heart Health

St. Luke's is Partnering with Superior Fire Department, After a Federal Grant Allows for Free Stress Tests

May 9, 2017

Brett Scott,

DULUTH, Minn. – A federal grant recently received by the Superior Fire Department is going toward improving the quality of health for firefighters. Tuesday morning, firefighter Cameron Vollbrecht responded to his stress test appointment at the St. Luke’s Regional Vascular Center. Experts are using the tests to take a closer look at lung capacity and heart rate under intense situations….

Firefighters

Normally recruits would spend two weeks training at Lake Superior College. this group will do that in spring if COVID-19 positivity rates go down.

On Thursday, departments fighting the Greenwood Fire received a big donation courtesy of the United way and D&D distributors.

Over $600 Has Been Raised With Donations Continuing to Pour In

Firefighters are also monitoring areas of concern along the border of the fire.

Normally, Duluth fire crews would do this type of training at the Lake Superior College Emergency Response Training Center out in Gary-New Duluth.

Initial damage to the building is estimated at $35,000.

Chief Krizaj said a natural spark like lightning isn't suspected, and no electricity or people were found inside.

The new fire truck is being used for training and driver operations in the fire services program and for drivers in the CDL program to get the feel of driving a different type of rig.

New firefighter Cameron Kalan following in family's footsteps being a public servant for the city of Superior.

The Cloquet Area Fire District responded to just under 3200 calls last year.

Half of the department is in their 20s, with less than a year of experience.

Firefighters and college learn from training.

Unanimous vote appoints Krizaj after Edwards stepped down.

12th annual Guns and Hoses Charity Softball game raises money for Northern Lights Foundation.

The Annual Fill the Boot Campaign is Happening July 29 - 31

Firefighters helped the fawn escape.

Moose Lake Motel considered a total loss after morning fire

32-Year Firefighter Passes Away

The total cost for three firefighters would be $270,000 a year.

City Council Approves Purchase of New Gear After Husky Explosion Damage

Superior Fire Dept Receives Donation of Fitness Equipment

The turnout gear can last more than 10 years.

All new hires took part in Firefighter I and II basic level of training.

Northland Uncovered: Fire Station 10

Local News and Weather Headlines in the Northland

First Responders evaluated for CO Exposure

10th Annual Guns and Hoses Softball Game

Coffee Conversation: Superior Public Museums

St. Luke's is Partnering with Superior Fire Department, After a Federal Grant Allows for Free Stress Tests

Latest News Update