6 Families Displaced In Eagan Apt. Fire
EAGAN, Minn. (WCCO) -- Six families have been displaced in an Eagan apartment Fire Thursday morning.
According to Eagan fire officials, fire crews and police were dispatched at 3:24 a.m. to a report of a structure fire at 4565 Slater Road at the Cinnamon Ridge Apartments.
Anny Kelly said she called 911 after seeing flames outside her window.
"Just huge flames. I thought they were coming from my kitchen," Kelly said. "I didn't know where they were coming from. I just got up and ran out."
Upon arrival, five fire crews reported fire on all three floors of the apartments building. By 3:46 a.m., the fire was under control. A total of 24 apartments were evacuated.
Caitlin Kemp and six others now have unlivable apartments.
"There's soot all over the bathroom, counter, kitchen floor; we have a minor hole in our bedroom" Kemp said.
The fire was mostly contained to the exteriors of three apartments. Several apartments were also heavy smoke and water damaged, which means six Giertsen workers were on the job all day.
One resident received minor burns while trying to extinguish the fire. He was treated on scene. There were no other injuries.
The Eagan Fire Marshal is now investigating the cause of the fire. It appears to have started on the balcony of one of the apartments.
"Don't know the cause yet, but we're speculating it could have been from smoking," said Eagan Fire Chief Mike Scott. "There were lots of cigarettes on the decks of adjoining apartments."
The American Red Cross is now assisting three families, which include five adults and three children.
