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At 0444 hours this morning, the Duluth Fire Department was dispatched to report of a structure fire in the area of the Portland Malt Shoppe. Enroute we received report that people were trapped on a rear balcony.

The building at 722 E. Superior Street has been converted into residential and commercial occupancies. Upon arrival, heavy fire was reported showing from two sides of the building, and firefighters concentrated their initial efforts on accessing the trapped people and removing them to safety. This effort was extremely difficult due to the proximity of the balcony side to the railroad tracks.

Upon completion of the rescue, firefighters attacked the fire which was burning on two floors in the west end of the building. Firefighters were able to stop the fire from progressing to the east end of the building. The fire was difficult to extinguish due to numerous concealed spaces throughout the structure. Overhaul operations concluded at 1144 this morning, 7 hours after the initial call.

There were two adult occupants of the residence in the lower portion of the building, and a dog. All were removed to safety without serious injury. Firefighters from headquarters station, UMD, Lincoln Park, Spirit Valley and Woodland responded to the fire.

The Fire Marshal's office is investigating the origin and cause of the fire. Red Cross was available to assist displaced residents. Initial damage estimates are set at $250,000 for the structure, and damage to contents remains undetermined.