On behalf of Newport residents, I want to express my sincere appreciation to our dedicated firefighters, the six mutual aid partners that responded and assisted, the Washington County Sheriff’s Office, and Fire Chief Wiley for his strong leadership during the incident”

Newport Mayor Laurie Elliot

All hands were on deck in Newport Wednesday May 8 as a fire call at 2:10 p.m. at 1136 Hastings Avenue saw Newport Fire arrive on a fully involved structure fire, starting as a vehicle fire on the south side of the building.
With Newport Fire Chief Steve Wiley calling in reinforcements, response soon arrived from St. Paul Park Fire, Cottage Grove Fire, Cottage Grove EMS, Woodbury Fire, Lake Elmo Fire, Hastings Fire Engine 4, Inver Grove Heights Fire, and M Health EMS. The Washington County Sheriff’s Office also on scene, helping with traffic control as the firefighters worked.
Hydrants were opened at the intersection of 9th Avenue and 12th Street as well as Hastings Avenue and Tibbets, while traffic was blocked on Hastings Avenue at 65th Street as well as side roads closer to the fire. With Cottage Grove Ladder 1 and Lake Elmo providing streams of water from afar while St. Paul Park tackled hot spots via hose, Newport Fire stayed on scene until shortly after 8 p.m. The building largely destroyed, a final report is still in progress. There were no casualties.
“I would like to thank our mutual aid partners,” Newport Fire Chief Wiley said as he shared that over 40 fire and EMS personnel were on scene during the blaze. Newport Mayor Laurie Elliot likewise voiced her appreciation for the swift response from other departments to the blaze.
“Yesterday afternoon Newport’s Fire Department quickly responded to a structure and vehicle fire incident on Tibbets Place, near Hasting Avenue,” she said Thursday. “Fortunately, there were no casualties or injuries reported. The prompt and coordinated efforts of our firefighters played a vital role in containing the fire and ensuring the safety of the community.
“On behalf of Newport residents, I want to express my sincere appreciation to our dedicated firefighters, the six mutual aid partners that responded and assisted, the Washington County Sheriff’s Office, and Fire Chief
Wiley for his strong leadership during the incident,” she said. “Many of these firefighters have day jobs. Yet they are committed to learning the same skills and undergo the same high-quality training required for full-time firefighters. Their professionalism is truly commendable, and we value their service to and support of Newport. They are an invaluable asset to our community. A sincere thank you to all who participated in yesterday’s incident for your many sacrifices that keep us safe.”