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The Duluth Fire Department battled 2 early morning structure fires today. At 1:15 AM the DFD responded to a duplex apartment fire at 313 N 59th Ave West. 8 Quint was the first unit on the scene and reported flames showing from the rear of the structure that could be seen over the roof. They advanced hose lines to the rear of the building and battled the fire up the porch stairs and into the upstairs apartment. They discovered the fire had already advanced into the attic and were joined by firefighters from Lincoln Park, Headquarters and Gary stations to gain access and extinguish the fire. The fire was quickly knocked down and while searching the apartments, Rescue 1 rescued 2 pet cats from the structure but one is still missing.

All five residents of the building escaped and there were no firefighter injuries. The Duluth Police Department, Mayo Clinic Ambulance and Minnesota Power assisted at the scene.

The Fire Marshal investigated the fire and determined the cause to be improper disposal of smoking materials. Damage is estimated at $75,000 to the structure and $25,000 to contents. Any questions can be directed to the Fire Marshal at 218-730-4398.

While firefighters were still on the scene at 59th Ave West another fire was reported at 1528 East 3rd Street at 2:25 AM. 4 Quint, responding from Headquarters, was the first unit on scene. The initial investigation determined there was a fire smoldering between an attached wooden porch and the floor structure. All residents from the 6 unit apartment evacuated safely. Firefighters removed the porch and used power saws to gain access and extinguish the fire. The fire was investigated by the Fire Marshal and was also determined to be caused by improper disposal of smoking materials. Damage is estimated at $2000.

Firefighters from the UMD, Headquarters, Woodland and Lakeside stations responded and were assisted at the scene by the Duluth Police Department.