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The Duluth Fire Department responded to a 2:32 A.M. report of a fully involved garage fire at the rear of 118 West Fourth Street. Firefighters discovered a five unit single story wooden storage building with flames reaching high above the building. Firefighting efforts were hampered by the flames burning through overhead powerlines which then fell arcing into and around the burning building. The densely packed burning contents of the storage units further delayed fire extinguishment.

The building and contents were a total loss. Damages are estimated at $25,000. Amazingly, a vinyl sided  duplex less than two feet from the burning building suffered from no apparent damage. Twenty-one firefighters were on the scene. Fire crews were on the scene for one and one-half hours. A Minnesota Power crew was on the scene immediately after the fire department to restore electricity to affected customers.

Fire Marshal Marnie Grondahl investigated the fire and determined that arson was the cause of the fire. Anyone with information about the cause of this fire should call the Arson Hotline at 218-730-5080. A cash reward is available.