November 28th – December 4th

During the week of November 28th – December 4th the Virginia Fire Department was called for service seventy-two times of which eight were fire calls, twenty transfers, and forty-four 9-1-1 EMS calls. The eight fire calls varied from dispatched and cancelled, to fire alarm activations, steam leak, lift assists, and carbon monoxide alarm. The twenty transfers brought us to five hospitals to receive patients; Essentia Health Northern Pines, Cook Hospital, Fairview Range Medical Center, Ely Bloomenson Community Hospital, and Essentia Health Virginia. These patients were transported to Miller Dwan, Essentia Health St. Mary’s, or St. Luke’s. the forty-four 9-1-1 EMS calls brought us to many communities; Biwabik, Cherry, Embarrass, Iron, twice to Gilbert and Mt. Iron, three times to Eveleth, four times to Britt, and the rest in Virginia. These patients were transported to Essentia Health Virginia, St. Luke’s, Essentia Health St. Mary’s, while seven of our patients didn’t need to be transported. During this week our busiest day was Monday with sixteen calls. We performed eighty-four procedures and administered seventy-seven medicines. We treated more women (35) than men (29) with the average age being 65. The Fire Marshal’s office performed four inspections, followed up on one complaint, two pre building plan reviews, five fire sprinkler inspections, and three fire related calls investigated. The Fire Explorers put on a concession stand at Weihnachtsfest in Biwabik and thanks everyone for their support. If you missed us and would like to support us monetary donations are always welcomed for uniform and protective equipment purchases as well as post activities.

The Virginia Fire Department wants everyone to be safe during the holidays and would like to share these facts about home holiday fires from the National Fire Protection Association:

  • One of every three home Christmas tree fires is caused by electrical problems.
  • Although Christmas tree fires are not common, when they do occur, they are more likely to be serious. On average, one of every 31 reported home structure Christmas tree fires results in a death compared to an average of one death per 144 total reported home structure fires.
  • A heat source too close to the tree causes roughly one in every four of Christmas tree fires.
  • More than half (56 percent) of home candle fires occur when something that can catch on fire is too close to the candle.
  • December is the peak time of year for home candle fires.

Holiday decorating

  • Be careful with holiday decorations. Choose decorations that are flame resistant or flame retardant.
  • Keep lit candles away from decorations and other things that can burn.
  • Some lights are only for indoor or outdoor use, but not both.
  • Replace any string of lights with worn or broken cords or loose bulb connections. Read manufacturer’s instructions for number of light strands to connect.
  • Use clips, not nails, to hang lights so the cords do not get damaged.
  • Keep decorations away from windows and doors.