Saturday, August 27, 2016

2 wildland firefighters killed, several injured after a ferocious collision on I-35W in Blaine, MN




2 WILDLAND FIREFIGHTERS KILLED, 6 INJURED IN FIRE APPARATUS CRASH-MINNESOTA LODD

Billy August 27, 2016 

We regret to pass on to you that two Firefighters traveling in a Michigan-based fire vehicle were killed in the Line of Duty, and others were injured, following a crash this evening on Interstate 35W in Blaine, MN-while enroute to a fire in Utah. The fire transport vehicle contained 8 Firefighters. 


Initial reports are that the truck belonged to the Beartown Firefighters, a crew located on the south shores of Lake Superior in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula that specializes in fighting wildfires. 

The Keweenaw Bay Indian Community in cooperation with the Bureau of Indian Affairs manages this Type 2 Wildland Firefighting handcrew. The Firefighters are based out of Baraga, MI. and are available for dispatch locally as well as nation-wide. 


It is jointly managed by the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community and the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA). 


The Firefighters were on their way to the Box Canyon wildfire in Utah. Our condolences to all those affected. More to follow. RIP.



Fatal Crash Closes I-35W Southbound in Blaine


August 27, 2016 05:23 PM

A vehicle crash on Interstate 35W near 95th Avenue in Blaine is causing traffic to be diverted both northbound and southbound.

Officials have confirmed that at least one person is dead. Several others were injured in the crash, according to investigators.

Lettering on a truck involved in the crash says Beartown Fire Department. There is a Beartown Fire Department located in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan.








Interstate 35W crash near 95th Avenue in Blaine Aug. 27, 2016.