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                                         Seven hours later in sub artic temps fire in Duluth is out

[Duluth, MN] Just shy of seven hours in subarctic wind chill temperatures ranging from -35 to -11, the Duluth Fire Department (DFD) was able to extinguish a large fire in the Esmond Building (formerly known as the Seaway Hotel). The building is located in the Lincoln Park Craft District on 2001 West Superior Street. Crews will remain on scene to evaluate and put out hot spots for the next few hours.

Crews responded to the report of smoke coming from the building just after 7:30 a.m. this morning. On arrival, crews reported heavy fire in the first floor of the building.

Crews were able to enter the abandoned building to do an initial search. Crews from 1 Tower used their tower to get a view from the roof.

At 7:49 a.m., Rescue 1, 1 Engine, and 2 Engine crews were removed from the building due to unsafe conditions and heavy fire. The fire had extended to the ceiling in the lobby and to the second floor of the building. At that point the fire switched to being fought defensively.

At 8:21 a.m., command on the scene determined we were not making gains from the defensive strategy and more resources would be needed to keep the fire contained to the Esmond Building. Shortly thereafter the fire breached the roofline.

At approximately 8:45 a.m., Chief Shawn Krizaj called Superior Fire Chief Scott Gordon to ask for mutual aid. The Superior Fire Department was able to provide a 100 foot tower aerial apparatus to help fight the fire.

Just before 9:30 a.m., the wall on the rear side of the building was reported to be separating and heavy fire could be seen from the inside. Command staff contacted Minnesota Power to cut off power in the alley due to ice buildup and collapse potential. Just before noon, the power was shut off between 18^th Avenue West and approximately 25th Avenue West impacting businesses and residents with odd addresses on West Superior Street and even addresses on West 1^st Street.

As of 2:00 p.m., the alley behind the building was in the process of being cleared so that Minnesota Power could come on scene to evaluate. We believe they had power restored at approximately 3:00 pm to the area.

Additional staff worked to evacuate businesses and tenants around the perimeter of the building as the wind continued to switch and push smoke into buildings. The decision was also made to evacuate as a precaution in case of a partial building collapse.

From approximately 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. four aerials deployed water in the four corners and core of the building. An additional hose line sprayed water into the building on North 20^th Avenue West.

Because of the frigid temperatures, the DFD faced many challenges and were helped by many community partners. Their help assisted the effort to safe lives and properties.

Duluth Public Works and Comfort Systems crews helped to thaw and keep hydrants open so that water could flow. Additional Public Works crews provided sand to create dikes diverting water from businesses in the area. Duluth Facilities Maintenance provided trucks and trailers to assist transporting frozen fire hose and other related equipment.

Local Lincoln Park businesses stepped in to provide warmth and food to fire crews and command staff. J.S. Printing provided a warm space for crews to take turns warming up in. The All - American Club provided hot coffee, muffins, and sandwiches for crews to eat while taking breaks from the fire response, and were aided by Salvation Army volunteers who provided soup and coffee.

ICO dispatched a diesel truck to refill fire apparatus during the fire.

Duluth Police Department assisted with traffic control throughout the duration of the incident.

A final thank you to James from WDIO for dropping his camera to shovel out a hydrant that crews could use. James, thank you for your selfless act in helping first responders.

To those impacted by the power outage, the Duluth Fire Department appreciates your patience.

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

Crews from Headquarters, Duluth Heights, Lakeside, Lincoln Park, Spirit Valley, Superior Fire, Woodland, Gary and UMD responded. The Duluth Fire Department also initiated request for callbacks to provide opportunities for crews on scene to rest during the incident.

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