Sprinkler System Saves Northern Minnesota Community College

HIBBING, MN — Officials say if a northern Minnesota community college didn't have a working sprinkler system, damages from a fire Saturday could have exceeded $1 million and resulted in significant delays for college students.

On March 25, the Hibbing Fire Department was dispatched at 4:37 a.m. for an automatic fire alarm at the Hibbing Community College.

The battalion chief arrived on scene and initially reported that nothing was visible from the exterior, but noted the fire alarm system was activated.

At 4:44 a.m., a Hibbing police squad radioed that there was smoke coming from the garage door on the corner of the building.

Once fire crews made entry, they noted that there was a semi that had been on fire, but was contained and extinguished by the sprinkler system.

Fire crews then checked for extension and then began ventilating the structure. Once the fire was deemed completely out, the sprinkler system was shut off.

There was no extension noted and there was no indication of damage to the structure. The fire was contained to a 2014 Freightliner Semi truck, according to a news release.

Officials say the truck is deemed a total loss, but there was no damage to the building's structure other than smoke and minor water damage.

The fire was contained by the activation of a single sprinkler head located directly above the semi, according to authorities.

Maintenance crews were on scene working to clean-up and ventilate the remaining smoke from the building.

No missed class for students

Maintenance staff did not feel that the fire would affect college classes for students on Monday. The sprinkler system and building services were restored by 10:30 a.m.

The building was unoccupied at the time of the fire, and damage is estimated at $48,000 for the truck and $5,000 for clean-up costs to the building.

There were no injuries reported at this fire.

The fire containment was successful in part due to the response from the neighboring fire departments: Chisholm Fire, Keewatin Fire, and Hibbing Police Department responded to assist on this call.

Images via Hibbing Fire Department