55 Displaced In Stillwater Apartment Arson Fire
STILLWATER, Minn. (WCCO) -- Police are investigating a fire that tore through a Twin Cities apartment complex, which has been ruled as arson.
A resident at the Birchwood Apartments in Stillwater, 14840 62nd St. N., said he heard a loud boom early Wednesday morning before everyone was forced to rush to safety.
The Red Cross is helping 16 families -- 52 people total -- with food, clothing and shelter. The fire displaced a total of 55, according to police.
The fire damaged four buildings in the apartment complex, which includes 16 separate apartments.
Neighbors say they heard what sounded like a loud explosion, then looked outside to see a large fire. The fire marshal and arson investigators are on the scene, working to determine a cause.
Police Chief John Gannaway said it's too early to tell what might have caused the fire.
Police did detain someone early Wednesday, but after questioning them, they were released.