A tragic event unfolded in the early hours of Thursday when Duluth firefighters responded to a call at an apartment complex on the 600 block of 47th Avenue E. According to the Duluth Fire Department's press release, the call came in at 2:29 am, and crews were at the scene by 2:32 am. As reported, firefighters arrived to find light smoke in the first-floor hallway but no visible flames erupting from the complex.
The building, a three-story structure housing seven units, was immediately evacuated as firefighters discovered the active blaze in one of the first-floor units. A rapid response from the 6-engine crew managed to knock down and extinguish the fire within eight minutes of their dispatch. In this operation, the fire department was able to assist six residents and multiple pets to safety, ensuring no further injuries except a sad loss; one occupant was found deceased in the apartment where the fire originated.
Monetary estimates of the damage come at around $25,000. The incident did not necessitate the displacement of other inhabitants or their pets.
In the aftermath of the fire, the Duluth Fire Department extended its gratitude towards the Mayo Ambulance, Duluth Police Department, and St. Louis County 911 Emergency Services for their assistance with the response. As the cause of the fire remains unknown, this event is currently under thorough investigation by the Duluth Fire Marshal’s office. The identity of the deceased remains undisclosed, as authorities continue to probe into the specifics of this unfortunate incident.
