STRUCTURE FIRE
1313 18th Ave E, Hibbing, MN
February 7, 2023
6:10 am
HIBBING-On the morning of Tuesday, February 7, the Hibbing Fire Dept, Keewatin Fire Dept, Chisholm Fire Dept and Virginia Fire Dept were dispatched to 1313 18th Ave E for the report of a smoke alarm sounding and the house was filled with smoke. It was reported that a wheel bound occupant was unable to evacuate the home.
Hibbing Police Department’s Officer Burns was first on scene was able to quickly evacuate the occupant from the home. There was significant smoke in the home at the time of the rescue. The first arriving Fire Department unit found heavy smoke showing and declared a working structure fire. The fire was found in the basement where it had spread to multiple other rooms. Fire crews were able to contain the fire to the basement but there was severe smoke damage throughout the home.
The home was occupied at the time of the fire. A smoke alarm alerted the occupant who was sleeping at the time of the fire, waking him up and allowing him to be evacuated safely from the home. The occupant was later evaluated by Chisholm Ambulance, but no treatment or transport was required. There were no firefighter or citizen injuries reported.
Working smoke alarms play a vital role in reporting fires when they are small, making quick extinguishment and limited damages possible. In this case, a working smoke alarm saved a life this morning. We would like to use this event as a reminder to make sure you have working smoke alarms in your home.
Crews were on scene fighting the fire until 08:00 am. Total losses are estimated to be around $400,000 in damages. The Hibbing Fire Prevention Bureau is investigating the fire.
We are so thankful for the support of both the community and mutual aid departments that provide us with help every time we are in need. A huge thank you to Hibbing Police Department for your quick response this morning and getting the occupant out of the home safely.
Media Inquiries Contact
Rossi Gangl - Fire Marshal/PIO
(218) 421-3942
rgangl@ci.hibbing.mn.us