City Subscriptions

[Duluth, MN] More than 20 people have been temporarily displaced following a two-story apartment fire in the Duluth Heights neighborhood. The one-unit fire was reported just after 9:30 a.m. this morning. When Duluth Fire crews arrived they reported seeing smoke from a second floor unit. Tenants from the building had self-evacuated before crews arrived on scene.

Crews were able to put out the fire with a water extinguisher, and did not need hose line assistance. The sprinkler system correctly responded to the fire and kept the flames in check. Due to the sprinkler activation, most of the 21-units in the building experienced water damage. Fire Department crews used water vacuums and other pieces of equipment to remove as much water as possible from the units that were affected. A local damage mitigation company has been called to assist in the cleanup.

A total of sixteen of the 21 units were occupied at the time of the fire. All have been temporarily displaced due to water damage and are receiving assistance from the property owner until they can return home.

No one was injured from the fire. One tenant was provided with a blanket and clothing to keep from catching cold while he was evacuated.

Water was temporarily shut off to the building.

Damage is estimated at $55,000 for fire and water damages.

Crews from Duluth Heights, Headquarters, and Spirit Valley responded to the fire.

The cause of the fire has been determined as accidental by the Duluth Fire Marshal’s Office. No additional information is available at this time.