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Monday evening and early Tuesday morning, the Duluth Fire Department responded to three separate fires.

The first occurred at 925 N 14 Ave E at 7:38 PM. A fire was reported in a kitchen stove. Flames were found coming from out of the front and up the wall behind the stove. The occupant said she noticed smoke and upon opening the broiler pan, found a burning liquid covering the bottom and on fire. This liquid was a melted plastic cutting board that had been stored in the broiler.

Fire damage was confined to the stove and the wall directly behind. Smoke damage to the structure and the contents is over $5,000.

The second fire at 12:29 AM involved a travel trailer at 519 S 59th Ave. W. Three individuals were burned as the result of a propane gas explosion and fire. Two of the three individuals are being treated for 2nd degree burns at a local hospital, and one has been transferred to a twin cities hospital with 2nd degree burns to their face and hands. Firefighters found the trailer fully involved in fire and it is considered a total loss.

The third fire was reported at 1:03 this morning and involved a occupied house at 7437 E Superior St. First to arrive were the two firefighters from the Lakeside fire station # 6. They found flames venting out several windows of a one level house. They were able to extinguish much of the fire as other fire crews arrived. The complete extinguishment required the removal of a large quantity of attic insulation, clearing of debris from the interior and the extinguishment of numerous hidden structural spaces. This action required firefighters to be on the scene 4 hours.They will continue to return and inspect  the site throughout this morning.

The initial fire had spread fast and burned very hot. Two women were home asleep when this fire started. They were alerted by a smoke detector and awoke to find the couch burning and house full of smoke. They were able to exit safely but were unsure if their cat had escaped with them due to the thick smoke. The cat was found in the basement unharmed.

The cause of the fire has been determined to be lit candles on a stand next to the couch. The Duluth Fire Department would like to take this opportunity to credit WORKING smoke detectors for saving two lives this morning.

Due to the rapid growth of the fire, the home and contents are extensively damaged. If it had not been for the operating smoke detector, the two women may not have had time to escape. The initial damage estimate is $65,000