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At 1014 p.m. on February 1st, the Duluth Fire Department was dispatched to a report of a structure fire in the 4100 block of Chambersburg Ave in the Duluth Heights neighborhood.  7 Engine arrived first and reported a large garage that was nearly fully involved. The garage appeared to be attached to the two-story house, connected by a large vestibule. The garage is technically detached but within inches of the house.

Due to the roof collapsing and several cylinders of welding gas inside the garage, the fire was primarily fought from defensive positions. Crews from Duluth Heights, Headquarters, Spirit Valley and Lincoln Park responded to the fire.

The family of four was asleep at the time of the fire. A twelve-year-old female resident of the house was alerted to the fire by the family’s Yellow Lab named Dudley, that was kenneled in the heated garage. The girl heard Dudley barking and looked out her bedroom window and saw the fire. She then woke the rest of the family who all escaped. The father then searched for Dudley and the dog was able to also escape. Dudley did have some singed fur but was doing well at the time of this press release.

The quick action of this young girl definitely saved more damage to the structures. According to her father she acted quickly and calmly. By being dispatched before the fire reached the house the DFD was able to keep the fire out of the house and the family is not displaced at this time.

There were no injuries to firefighters. The fire is being investigated by the Duluth Fire Marshal’s office. Initial damage estimates are $80,000 to the structure and contents. The DFD was assisted on scene by the Duluth Police Department, MN Power and Duluth Comfort Systems.