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Ten people and dog displaced by apartment fire

[Duluth, MN] Just before 9:30 p.m. the Duluth Fire Department responded to the report of a structure fire on the 600 block of East 4th Street. A passerby reported smoke coming from the second story of the multi-unit apartment building. 

When crews arrived on scene, a moderate amount of smoke was showing from the second story of the Charlie side of the building. Crews began attacking the fire from the exterior of the building. The seat of the fire was located in the basement. Crews repositioned lines and began the fire attack. As the fire progressed, a second alarm for more man power was called.

Rescue crews conducted primary and secondary searches of the first and second floor which resulted in an all clear. The main body of the fire was knocked down and crews began checking for extension. Holes were made in the roof to aid with ventilation.  Crews then began extinguishing hot spots and put out the fire that had extended to ceiling joists.

The apartment building had three tenants living in the building at the time of the fire. All three tenants were evacuated. A total of six adults, four children, and a dog were displaced due to fire and smoke damage in each unit. All three units are receiving assistance by the Red Cross.

During the fire, multiple cars ran over fire hoses that were being used to fight the fire. The Duluth Fire Department would like to remind the public how detrimental this act could be for those who are on the other end of that hose line.

“It is dangerous to run over a fire hose at any time but extremely dangerous during fires,” Assistant Chief Cint Reff said. “Firefighters are on the other end of that hose which is their life line. Running over a hose could not only break the hose line, it could also be detrimental for those who are working to put out the fire. If you are in the area while a fire is being fought, please do not run over hose lines. We ask that you instead find a detour and not put additional lives at risk.”

The Duluth Fire Department would like to thank the many Duluth Police officers who assisted with traffic control, during the fire.

Minnesota Power was called to the scene and turned off power to the building.

Damage to the building is estimated to be $65,000. No one was injured during the fire.

The fire is under investigation by the Duluth Fire Marshal’s Office. No additional information is available at this time. 

Crews from Headquarters, Lincoln Park, Lakeside, UMD, Spirit Valley, and Woodland responded to the call.

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