As spring brings warmer weather to Iron Mountain, the city’s fire department is reminding residents to follow local ordinances that keep the community safe. On a recent shift, the fire captain, department engineer, and two firemen conducted training drills to prepare for potential fire emergencies. The department conducts drills regularly, at a minimum of once per shift.
With an increase in yard cleanups in the city, many residents are focusing on making their lawns and gardens sparkle. However, fire engineer Nate Furton warns that wind can quickly turn a controlled burn into a dangerous fire.
“While you might think that it’s wet because it rained the day before, we have a windy day like today. It dried that out, and we’re getting some brush fires and some vegetation fires. So embers can carry a lot further than one would think, just be cognizant of that,” Furton commented.
Not only are brush fires a huge concern with the weather warming up, but they are also against city ordinance.
“So in the springtime, everybody’s cleaning their yard, right. In the City of Iron Mountain, we have a few city ordinances as well as the state burning bans. The biggest thing we see in the city is burning brush. We have an ordinance in the city that we can’t burn anything smaller than two inches in diameter. We see a lot of people saving up all winter, their construction materials, whether it be dimensional lumber or plywood, stuff like that. Inside the city of Iron Mountain, that’s a no-no,” noted the engineer.
Iron Mountain’s fire department conducts timed drills to measure their successes and failures to not only maintain but also improve emergency readiness.
“Today we’re doing what we call is a water-to-door drill. So we’ll pull the engine out on the front apron. We’ll have our two backseat-riding fireman pull hose, mask up, and then call-to-water to our simulated front door. That evolution happens in under a minute and 15 seconds,” Furton informed. “We’re measuring our accomplishments and failures to learn from both,” Furton added.
The fire department encourages residents to contact them with any questions or concerns about fire safety. They are there to ensure the safety of the community and keep Iron Mountain residents protected.
The Iron Mountain firefighters will team up with the Iron Mountain police force for their first-ever golf tournament coming up in August. The tournament will be a fundraiser for a scholarship which would help local Iron Mountain students who are going into the criminal justice and fire science programs.
The tournament, which will be a 3-person scramble with 18 holes and cart included, will start at 8am central time on the 27th of August. There will be a cookout included, and cash prizes for the longest putt, the closest to the pin, and the longest drive. The cost for entry will be $210 per team, and the scramble will take place at Oak Crest Golf Course in Norway. Those interested in participating in the scramble can call the fire department at 906-774-0622.
