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218-730-4400 •www.duluthmn.gov
Public Information Officer at 218-730-5309
SUBJECT: Gladstone House Fire
BY: Asst Chief Richard Mattson
NATURE OF INCIDENT: Basement Fire
CASE NO.: 110003059
INCIDENT DATE: 5/13/2011
INCIDENT TIME: 10:13 AM
INCIDENT LOCATION: 4013 Gladstone
At 1013 AM this morning the Duluth Fire Department responded to a report of a house fire at 4013 Gladstone Street. It had been reported by the homeowner when she came home from an errand and discovered the house filled with smoke.
Upon arrival Lakeside firefighters entered the buidling and found smoke on the first and second floor of the house but no fire. They then located the fire in the basement of the home. With the help of firefighters from Downtown, UMD, and Woodland, the fire was knocked down with hose streams and the building was ventilated. Concerned that the fire may have spread from the basement to the attic through the exterior walls of the older home, firefighters entered the attic area but found no extension to that area.
The damage to the home was extensive. The basement and it's contents were heavily damaged by the fire and heat. The smoke spread throughout the rest of the home and caused major smoke damage to the house and contents. Damage estimates are $50,000 for the building and $30,000 for the contents. There were no injuries to either civilians or firefighters. The family will not be able to return to the home until extensive repair and cleaning are completed.
The cause of the fire has been determined to be from a candle left burning in the basement. The fire spread to a nearby couch creating a large fuel load. The fire also spread across the carpeting creating heavy toxic smoke.
This is the 2nd fire caused by a candle in the last 2 months. The first fire was on 4/07/2011 at 611 N 7th Ave E. and nearly claimed the lives of three residents, an unborn child, and two dogs with a litter of puppies. Citizens should take note of these tragedies. Candles are a fire hazard even if they are used properly. They should never be left unattended. They should never be placed near combustibles. They should never be left burning while you are sleeping. Candles may provide an ambiance and a pleasant aroma, but they are just as dangerous as they are beautiful. Use them wisely or not at all.