Firefighters from the Duluth Fire Department (DFD) were called into action on Thursday afternoon to tackle a blaze at the Minnesota Power Hibbard Renewable Energy Center. According to a press release, the incident took place at a storage structure located at 4913 Main Street and was reported at 2:49 pm. The fire involved wood stored inside the sizable 20,000 square foot facility.
The structure's built-in deluge fire suppression system played a critical role in keeping the fire under control, which in turn allowed the DFD firefighters to swiftly bring the situation under control. Teams from Lincoln Park, Downtown, and Spirit Valley were initially dispatched for support. But due to the effectiveness of the suppression system, most of the units were cleared to return to service, with only two ladder companies remaining on the scene to fight the fire.
Despite the potential hazards associated with a power generation facility, the release confirmed that power generation was unaffected during the incident. The firefighters' quick response and the facility's safety measures ensured no injuries were sustained.
The damage sustained by the storage structure, while still under assessment, did not impede the firefighters. Their efforts showcased the synergy between well-prepared fire defense mechanisms and the tireless work of our emergency services. The exact cause of the fire has yet to be disclosed as investigations are still underway.
