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Serving Northern St. Louis County, Minnesota

New gravel helipad in place at fire brigade hall

Posted 11/6/19

LAKE VERMILION— With the support of the community and other local emergency resource agencies, the Lake Vermilion Fire Brigade has constructed a helipad with lighted windsock at their fire hall on …

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New gravel helipad in place at fire brigade hall

Posted

LAKE VERMILION— With the support of the community and other local emergency resource agencies, the Lake Vermilion Fire Brigade has constructed a helipad with lighted windsock at their fire hall on Oak Narrows Road. The Brigade can now help expedite emergency medical transfers in the rural area by providing a safe helicopter landing site. The helipad work will be completed this fall, following harvest of some timber surrounding the site, ensuring a safe landing zone.

The parking lot of the fire hall was used three times last year as a medical helicopter landing zone, according to LVFB President Don Potter, so the group decided a dedicated landing area would be a useful addition to the area. The helipad uses part of the parking area for the fire hall.

This work was done thanks to the generosity of the community, and their support of our annual Memorial Weekend Pig Roast, and the Labor Day Antique and Wooden Boat Show fundraisers. The money raised has funded the construction of the helipad and helped with the purchaser of a fire truck which now supports the Cook Volunteer Fire Department. 

The Lake Vermilion Fire Brigade was created as a non-profit ten years ago. Fundraising began, and enough money was raised to purchase a custom-made, fully-equipped 32-ft. fire and rescue watercraft. A second 26-ft. boat has been donated and is used to carry additional personnel and equipment to emergency incidents. Twenty-one volunteers, who are trained as boat and equipment operators, man the fireboats.  Both of the boats are now available and on call 24/7 on the west end of the lake, to help support all local, county and state fire and rescue agencies.

Managed and operated by volunteers, the Board of Directors is made up of concerned citizens. The Brigade works with an Advisory Board who provide professional council and advice. The Fire Brigade’s operating expenses (training, equipment, etc.) are funded through donation. More information is available on their website at www.lakevermilionfirebrigade.com.

helipad, fire brigade