Multiple Departments Respond to Stearns County House Fire

STEARNS COUNTY - Authorities responded to a house fire in Lynden Township on Saturday.

The Stearns County Sheriff's Office says the incident happened at about 1:00 p.m. at 15968 4th Avenue East.

Authorities received a call from 46-year-old Matthew Bicknell of St. Cloud, who was at a nearby residence doing yard work. Bicknell saw a large amount of smoke coming from the home and wasn't able to get an answer at the front door. He eventually kicked the door in and found no one inside but did get three dogs out of the house.

The Clearwater Fire Department along with assistance from the South Haven and Annandale Fire Departments responded and put out the fire, which appeared to start in the garage area near a wood burning stove. The stove was reported to not be in use at the time.

One of the occupants of the home has been identified as 43-year-old Nanette Wasik of Clearwater, who wasn't home at the time of the fire. The incident remains under investigation.