'Very Tragic Situation': 2 Dead In Spring Lake Park House Fire
MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- Investigators are trying to figure out what started a deadly house fire in Spring Lake Park Saturday night.
Firefighters were called to the house on 82nd Avenue Northeast just before 9 p.m.
"We heard loud booms and saw some lights out of the corner of our window," neighbor Elizabeth Bartlett said.
Bartlett saw her neighbor's garage on fire when she looked outside her window Saturday night.
"It was very scary," Bartlett said. "We saw a garage in flames, then Shane immediately called 911."
Karly Torgerson also called 911 to report the fire at her neighbor's house.
"I was like, 'oh my God honey call 911, their garage is on fire,'" Torgerson said "It wasn't in the house yet. A few minutes later, the police showed up and then it was in the house."
Fire Investigators focused on the garage portion of the house as they sifted through the debris Sunday. Officials believe the fire started in the garage, but are still trying to pinpoint exactly what set it off.
"About 10 of us at one point had been just praying and really hopeful they made it out because no one knew," Bartlett said.
Firefighters from Spring Lake Park and Fridley spent hours extinguishing the flames.
Neighbors say two middle-aged brothers lived inside. Their names are being withheld pending family notification.
"We all just wanted to see them bring people out," Bartlett said.
Neither made it out and officials say they don't think either had the chance to call 911.
"One victim was found early on, but it took some time to be able to safely get into that house and locate the second deceased person in the residence," Anoka County Sheriff's Office Lieutenant Andy Knotz said.
"It's a bad ending," said Torgerson
"We just are really sad about it," said Bartlett.
"It's a very tragic situation and our thoughts and prayers definitely go out to the family in this difficult situation," Knotz said.