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218-730-4400 •www.duluthmn.gov
Public Information Officer at 218-730-5309
SUBJECT: Two evening fires
BY: Asst Fire Chief Jim Ray
NATURE OF INCIDENT: Apartment fire
CASE NO.: 10008681 &10008687
INCIDENT DATE: 12/23/2010
INCIDENT TIME:
INCIDENT LOCATION:
The Duluth Fire Department responded to two seperate building fires Thursday evening.
The first occurred at 223 E 5th St. at 6:42 PM. One of the occupants was reported to be unwilling to evacuate.
Upon arrival, a two story, the five unit building was charged with smoke. The fire was located in a first floor apartment bedroom. A bed was fully involved in fire. As the mattress was being extinguished, a man was found on the second floor. Firefighters carried him outside and he was treated for smoke inhalation. Gold Cross Ambulance transported him to a local hospital for evaluation.
The fire was apparently started when a lit cigarrete lighter dropped behind the bed. The building management company was able to find housing for all of the occupants. Total damage is estimated at $10,000.
The second fire occurred at 1315 E 9th St at 10:11 PM. A kitchen stove was reported to be on fire. The fire had burned through the ceiling and into the attic. The fire was immediately extinguished. However, finding all of the burning embers inside a wall and removing the smoldering attic insulation took 2 hours.
The 4 people who live at this address will stay with friends and family. Damage is estimated at $25,000.