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At 1628 hours this afternoon, the Duluth Fire Department responded to report of a structure fire at 103 W. 4th St. Initial arriving fire companies reported heavy fire coming from a commercial building containing a laundromat.

The building was two stories; with occupied apartments above the laundromat. The entire main floor that contained the laundromat was fully involved with fire. Firefighters attacked the fire initially from the exterior and then made entry to the building. Significant fire was encountered throughout the main floor. The fire was stopped before it could get into adjacent buildings, or the upstairs.

There were occupants home in the upstairs apartments at the time of the blaze; and all were able to escape. One female occupant was transported to a local hospital for possible smoke inhalation.

The structure of the building remains intact; though the contents of the laundromat are completely destroyed. The upstairs apartments received mainly significant smoke damage. Initial damage estimates are set at $150 - $200,000.

At least three families have been displaced by the fire, and the Red Cross is working to assist them at this time.

The origin and cause of the fire is under investigation by the Duluth Fire Marshal's Office.