Minneapolis 4-alarm fire destroys 3 buildings, displaces at least 50 people

VIDEO/PHOTOS: An overnight fire in Minneapolis destroyed three buildings, injured three people, and left at least 50 others displaced from their homes. The Minneapolis Fire Department responded to a fire on the 5600 block of Lyndale Avenue South around 11:30 p.m. Wednesday. Initial reports suggested a garage with five to seven cars inside was on fire, according to a press release. At the scene, crews found a detached garage fully engulfed in flames and noted the fire had spread to a nearby apartment building and a motel. Crews worked to evacuate residents and began searching three buildings. As the fire spread, crews eventually called for a four-alarm fire to get additional help at the scene. Firefighters were pulled out of the buildings, switching to a defensive exterior fire attack.
KMSP-TV FOX 9 Minneapolis

Bogus Lake Fire Burns at Superior National Forest in Cook County

A 45-acre wildfire is burning in the Superior National Forest in Cook County. According to the U.S Forest Service, the Bogus Lake Fire — named after the nearest lake — was found in the late afternoon on Tuesday, Oct. 8. By noon Wednesday, the fire, which is burning 13 miles northeast of Grand Marais and just northwest of Judge C.R. Magney State Park, was 45 acres. The level of containment was not provided. "The fire was active overnight," Superior National Forest officials said Wednesday on Facebook. "Today, firefighters and aircraft will be on site to continue suppression efforts." The cause of the fire is unknown. There are now three fires burning in the Superior National Forest as "moderate drought" conditions now persist over almost all of Northeastern Minnesota, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor map updated Oct. 3.
Duluth News Tribune - Metered Site

New Hope firefighters get up close look at electric fire truck

VIDEO: Cutting-edge technology is working to make fighting fires safer and more eco-friendly. It's a movement Minnesota has been a leader in. On Tuesday in New Hope, firefighters from the West Metro Fire-Rescue District got a chance to see new technology up close. The electric fire truck certainly doesn't have the same roar of a diesel truck, but it looks exactly like a traditional red fire truck. Of course, with any new technology there can be a bit of reluctance. That's why Pierce Manufacturing and MacQueen are taking the new truck around the country to show those fighting fires on the frontlines how it works. The truck reduces carbon emissions, but its quiet nature also allows for better communication and operations, which makes it safer for first responders.
WCCO-TV CBS 4 Minneapolis

Man killed in Spring Grove house fire

PHOTO: A Spring Grove man dies in a house fire on Monday afternoon. A news release from the Houston County Sheriff's Office said they were called to 512 2nd Ave. NW at 2:15 p.m. for a house on fire. Besides Spring Grove Fire, Caledonia, Eitzen, and Mabel fire departments sent firefighters and equipment to assist. Sheriff's deputies and investigators also went to the home. While fighting the fire, the body of 62-year-old Karl Onstad was found inside the home. He was the only one who lived in the residence. Houston County Sheriff Brian Swedberg said that autopsy performed on Tuesday showed no foul play in Onstad's death. The sheriff's office, state fire marshal, and Southern Minnesota Regional Medical Examiner's Office continue to investigate the fire and Onstad's death.
WXOW-TV ABC 19 La Crosse

Rochester Fire Department announces ‘Smoke Alarms: Make Them Work for You’

Starting Monday, the Rochester Fire Department (RFD) announced its theme of ‘Smoke Alarm: Make Them Work for You’ to encourage smoke alarm maintenance for fire prevention week. The RFD has encouraged residents to join them this week at all five fire stations in Rochester for an opportunity to meet firefighters and learn about fire safety. The open house events are on Wednesday and Friday from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., as well as Saturday from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Rochester Fire Marshal Jason Pfife says smoke alarms should be replaced every 10 years, and its batteries every six months. “We want to make sure people have working smoke alarms in every bedroom, or where individuals sleep, just outside of every bedroom or where individuals sleep, and then on each level of the home,” Pfife said.
KTTC-TV NBC 10 Rochester