3-Alarm Fire Damages 2 Minneapolis Apartment Buildings

Aug 9

Minneapolis fire crews battled a three-alarm fire early Saturday morning that spread through two connected apartment buildings.

The fire forced multiple evacuations and sent one person to the hospital due to a pre-existing medical condition.

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At 4:54 a.m., firefighters were dispatched to a four-story apartment building at 629 18th Street East after reports of a fire. Crews arrived to find heavy smoke and flames in the walls and ceiling of the fourth floor. A second alarm was immediately called, bringing in additional firefighters and equipment to help evacuate residents, including those with mobility issues, and to assist in knocking down the fire.

Medics evaluated two residents at the scene, with one transported to a local hospital for a pre-existing medical condition. Metro Transit sent a bus to provide temporary shelter for displaced residents.

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As crews worked inside, the fire spread into the attic void space and along the roofline before extending into an adjoining apartment building at 639 18th Street East. A third alarm was issued, bringing even more personnel to the scene.

Firefighters placed ladders to the roof and cut openings to stop the flames from moving further. Water was applied to the roof membrane and hidden fire inside the void space. Inside both buildings, crews worked on the fourth floors, opening walls and extinguishing hotspots.

The American Red Cross was requested to assist residents who will be displaced. The cause of the fire is under investigation.

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