On Thursday night, a fast-moving fire tore through the old train depot office building at 1300 McKnight Road North in Maplewood, drawing multiple fire crews and plenty of neighborhood attention. Firefighters were called to the scene around 9 p.m., arriving to find the structure already heavily involved in flames and smoke.
Crews worked into the night to knock the fire down. By about 10:15 p.m., firefighters had the blaze contained, then stuck around to chase down lingering hot spots and small flare-ups around the building.
What officials reported
According to KSTP, a Maplewood spokesperson said firefighters were dispatched to the depot at about 9 p.m. and arrived to find the building "heavily involved." The station's report includes a photo credited to Paula Thao that shows crews working the scene. The city spokesperson told reporters the fire was contained by roughly 10:15 p.m., with firefighters remaining on site to put out remaining hot spots.
Site had been eyed for redevelopment
The depot site at 1300 McKnight Road North has been on the radar in local planning discussions and commercial real estate circles in recent years. The Metropolitan Council listed a Maplewood comprehensive-plan amendment for the parcel on its September 24, 2025 agenda, and brokers had pitched the property as a large industrial/refrigeration site on LoopNet.
What we don't yet know
KSTP's report did not include any information about possible injuries or what might have triggered the blaze, and Maplewood officials had not released additional details at the time of that story. Fire investigators and city leaders have not yet outlined when they will share an official update.
Crews remained at the depot working on remaining hot spots. This story will be updated when Maplewood authorities release more information.
