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218-730-4400 •www.duluthmn.gov
Public Information Officer at 218-730-5309
SUBJECT: Building Fire - 2831 W. Superior St.
BY: Assistant Chief Erik Simonson
NATURE OF INCIDENT: Building Fire - 2831 W. Superior St.
CASE NO.: 10-008751
INCIDENT DATE: 12/27/2010
INCIDENT TIME: 0247
INCIDENT LOCATION: 2831 W. Superior St.
At 0247 hours this morning, the Duluth Fire Department responded to report of smoke coming from a building - the Peerless Auto Body Shop.
Initial arriving crews reported heavy black smoke coming from multiple locations of a large commercial building. The fire was well involved prior to our arrival. Crews made entry to the interior three separate times before being driven back by the fire. Operations went defensive and stayed defensive for the remainder of the fire. The building is approximately 38,000 square feet in total size.
A second alarm was called due to the size and complexity of the building and the difficulties involved with cold weather firefighting. Crews had difficulty with frozen hydrants and freezing handlines. At one point, there were 5 engine companies, three ladder companies, one rescue squad and one battalion chief, for a total of 28 firefighters.
The building was occupied by Peerless Auto Body at the time of the fire, and no one is believed to be inside the building, although firefighters have not been able to complete a thourough search as of yet.
No firefighters were injured during the fire, and initial damage to the building is estaimated at the total building value or $100,000. No estimate is yet available for the contents damaged, but again a total loss is anticipated.
The origin and cause of the fire is under investigation by the Duluth Fire Marshal's office.