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At 12:35 a.m. the Duluth Fire Department was dispatched for a report of a fire at a single family home in the Gary neighborhood of Duluth.  10 Engine arrived three minutes later and reported heavy fire showing from the back deck and climbing two stories on the back of the house. The fire had also entered the house at this time on both levels after the fire had broken the windows. The 10 Engine crew advanced a hose line into the structure as 8 Quint was establishing a hydrant water source. This was a fast moving fire due to open doors within the structure and the nature of the building construction. As more crews arrived from Lincoln Park and Headquarters more hose lines were placed to attack the fire and knockdown was called at 12:56 a.m.

There were two adults and two teenage children home at the time. The fire was discovered burning the back wooden deck by one of the children who then alerted the rest of the family, likely saving lives. The family was able to escape along with three family dogs. Unfortunaltely, the house is heavily damaged and the contents are nearly a total loss due to heat and smoke damage. The displaced family was able to shelter with other family members.

Initial damage estimates are $150,000 to the structure and $100,000 to the contents. There were no injuries to the family or the firefighters. The cause is being investigated by the Duluth Fire Marshal's office but was likely accidental and caused by a charcoal barbeque grill. Firefighters from Gary, Spirit Valley, Lincoln Park and Headquarters responded and were on scene for about four hours. 

The DFD would like to thank Minnesota Power for responding quickly to cut the power to the structure and making it safer for firefighters to operate and the Duluth Police Department for providing traffic control and protecting our hydrant water supply hoses. Nearly 2000 feet of supply line was laid to fight this fire and Commonwealth Ave, 101st Ave W and Reis St. were blocked for approximately three hours. As we have stated in the past, vehicles running over hose lines always damage very expensive equipment and puts firefighters in peril.