HIBBING — A passerby reported flames from the windows of the building that houses the Yoder Building Supplies Inc. at 1831 Third Avenue. E., 9:03 p.m. Friday. By the time firefighters responded, the fire had begun to spread to the roof of the building.
The Hibbing Fire Department launched the massive attack with the help of a number of Iron Range partners, including firefighters from Chisholm, Keewatin and Virginia. More support was later provided by the fire departments of Fayal Township, Eveleth, Nashwauk, Grand Rapids and Mountain Iron.
Large buildings that contain a lot of combustibles present challenges. Excavation equipment and three aerial devices were deployed as firefighters struggled to put out the blaze. They were there until around 6am on Sunday morning. The blaze was extinguished after a nine-hour effort, but the building is considered a total loss.
The building is believed to be unoccupied at the time of the fire, and no injuries have been reported. A release from the Hibbing Fire Department said there were no fouls involved, but the Hibbing Fire Chief and the Minnesota State Fire Chief are investigating the fire and its cause.