Massive Fire Destroys 4 Buildings in Northeast Minneapolis
Minneapolis crews on scene of a large structure fire Sunday, Sept. 7 in the 1500 block of Central Ave. NE. Via MFD
Discarded tires slowed response time. Via MFD
Fire crews battled a massive blaze early Sunday as flames tore through multiple vacant buildings along Central Avenue Northeast in Minneapolis.
The fire was first reported around 4:13 a.m. at an abandoned three-story commercial structure at 1503–1505 Central Avenue NE.
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When firefighters arrived, one building was already fully engulfed and spreading rapidly to adjacent properties, the Minneapolis Fire Department said.
Crews faced immediate challenges in reaching the burning structure. Access roads were blocked by a large pile of discarded tires and debris, several gated parking lots were locked, with thick brush and trees limiting their movement, the department said. A nearby BNSF railway bridge also restricted access.
As the flames continued to spread, a second and third alarm were called to bring in additional personnel and equipment.
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By 5:38 a.m., officials confirmed that four commercial buildings were still on fire, with some beginning to show signs of collapse. All of the buildings involved were vacant, according to MFD, and crews used aerial ladders to douse the flames from the exterior, stretching hoses across parking lots from hydrants at Filmore Avenue, 18th Street NE, and Broadway and Central avenues.
Some hydrants in the area were dry or were located too far from the fire, adding to the difficulties in securing a water supply, MFD said.
Firefighters were able to enter and search a limited number of nearby vacant buildings that were safe enough to access, confirming they were empty. Others could not be searched due to active fire and collapse risks. Utility crews from Xcel Energy and CenterPoint Energy were called to secure power lines and gas connections.
The fire threatened railcars positioned on nearby tracks, but BNSF moved them after confirming they were empty. By late Sunday morning, crews reported the fire was contained to the area but continued to work on hotspots as several buildings had already collapsed. Officials said firefighters are expected to remain on scene for hours.
The cause of the fire has not yet been determined and remains under investigation.
Firefighters on scene of a large structure fire Sunday, Sept. 7 in Minneapolis. Via MFD
