The CAFD Combined Technical Rescue Team conducted its annual competancy review at USG Interiors in Cloquet on Monday October 5, 2009.  The Technical Rescue Team is made up of members from the CAFD, Carlton Fire Department, and Esko Fire Department.  The CAFD Tech. Rescue Team worked with the USG Emergency Response Team to conduct confined space and high level rescue operations.  Training lasted 8 hours, and included victim removal from a confined space and several evolutions removing the victim from elevated catwalks and then lowering the victim approx. 100' to the ground.

The training was facilitated and team skills were verified by First Strike Safety Solutions of Duluth.  Team members are required to verify skills annually, and complete dozens of hours of additional training each year.  Previous exercises have taken place at Sappi and Mn Power facilities.  The CAFD Combined Technical Rescue Team provides Confined Space and high/low level rope rescue services to the Cloquet, Carlton, and Esko areas.

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Fire Equipment operator (and huge Packers fan) Patrick Marciniak greeted the Minnesota Vikings mascot Ragnar with open arms on Friday 9/4/09. 

Ragnar was passing through Cloquet before the Vikings-Cowboys game when he stopped to talk with A-shift during a public relations stop.  

CAFD crews responded to report of a two vehicle MVA early on August 22nd. Upon arrival we found two vehicles one being the pictured State Patrol Vehicle.

CAFD crews transported two victims to the hospital and secured the scene from hazards . Crews were on scene for two hours providing lighting at the request of the Minnesota State Patrol.

CAFD was dispatched to a structure fire at 18:25 on Tuesday August 18, 2009.  Suppression units arrived to find a fully involved two story residential structure.  Units from CAFD stations 1 and 2 were assisted by the Thompson Township and Carlton fire departments who provided tanker support to ensure an adequate water supply during the fire.  Carlton personnel also assisted in the suppression of the fire as the incident progressed.

The home, located at 1200 South Oak Street, was a total loss.  Numerous additions with multiple roof layers and concealed spaces contributed to the rapid fire spread and inability of fire personnel to extinguish the fire before the structure became unstable.  Efforts to protect a nearby stable and other surrounding structures were succesful. Over thirty firefighters responded to the emergency, and units were on scene for over six hours. 

Crews returned to the scene twice on Wednesday to ensure that smoldering areas in the debris did not present a further hazard.  The fire was caused by two children playing with a cigarette lighter in the rear of the home.  The fire has been ruled accidental and no charges will be filed.

Arby's Restaurant in Cloquet kindly donated food and water for all fire staff and the family during the emergency.

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A rapid response from the CAFD helped save a home at 26 11th street on August 15, 2009.  Reports of a heavily involved structure were met with units from CAFD stations 1 and 2.  Upon arrival, units found fire limited to a second floor balcony that was extending up the wall and into the attic space.  Engine 2, Squad 6 and Tower 1 handled the incident after a rapid knock down was made with overhaul operations to find and extinguish fire extension into the attic.

Pictures below show the area of origin and fire spread and Tower 1 opening the gable end to extinguish fire extension into the attic.

On Monday August 10th, 2009 crews responded to a report of smoke in a room inside  Cloquet Memorial Hospital's nursing home.  Upon arrival crews found a light haze with the smell of a possible electrical fire.  Upon further investigation, the source of the problem was found to be a light ballast.  Crews ventilated the area and returned to service.