Esko Fire Department saves home

The Esko fire department received a 911 call for smoke in a kitchen at 2:57 a.m. Friday, Feb. 1.

According to a press release from the department, Esko Fire Chief Kyle Gustafson called for the auto-aid help of Wrenshall and Carlton right away. Solway Fire Department was also called to provide water. With a quick response by Esko units and Esko Captain Paige Robinson leading an interior attack, firefighters found fire in the walls behind and around the chimney, which appeared to have started in the chimney itself.

Wrenshall, Esko, and Carlton units arrived shortly after, and the fire was extinguished completely, said Esko assistant chief Tony Compo.

The house was full of smoke, so positive pressure ventilation was used to clear the air. The home had another source of heat so the owner said that he would stay there and did not need to relocate in the early subzero morning.

Compo estimated the fire caused between $10,000 and $15,000 in damages.