Fire Safety Tips: Avoiding Indoor Fires In Southern Minnesota Homes

An indoor campfire was the explanation behind a house fire in Southern Minnesota this morning. The Albert Lea Fire Department posted about the house fire and what caused it. The post was a warning reminding residents that campfires shouldn't be started indoors as a means of heat.

The City of Albert Lea - City Hall social media page posted the news release from the Fire Department this afternoon.

Image Credit: Paul Shea/TSM

Albert Lea Fire Rescue responded to 809 Clark St. W. Wednesday, April 2, at 7 a.m. for a reported house fire. Employees of Jim and Dude’s noticed smoke coming from the building and called 911. Fire crews arrived on scene and found smoke coming from the house on all three levels. One person was in the house at the time of the fire and that person was exiting upon Fire Rescue’s arrival.

The person had started a camp-style fire in a tote on the main level to stay warm. The fire burned through the tote and floor, then dropped into the basement where it started other materials in the area on fire. The fire extended into an outside wall and worked its way up to the second floor and attic space.

Fire crews worked on the scene for about two hours checking for fire extension. There were no injuries.

Albert Lea Fire Rescue would like to remind residents that starting a wood or other type fire in a house can be deadly. Not only can people lose control like in this situation, but the fire produces dangerous gases.

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The Albert Lea Police Department and Mayo Clinic Ambulance Service assisted Fire Rescue on the scene.

According to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resouces, there are "spring burning restrictions are in effect in Anoka, Benton, Chisago, Hennepin, Isanti, Kanabec, Mille Lacs, Morrison, Pine, Ramsey, Sherburne, Stearns, Todd, Washington, and Wright counties."

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Source: Indoor Camp Fire To Blame For House Fire In Southern Minnesota