New tool stops flames from spreading at Robbinsdale apartment complex
Video in Robbinsdale, Minnesota shows what could have been a much worse situation as multiple explosions and flames took over an apartment complex Thursday.
Police say five people have been displaced as a result of the fire on the 4000 block of 37th Avenue North.
Investigators believe the blaze started from an "improperly extinguished cigarette," and that a propane tank appears to be the source of one of the explosions.
A video recorded by a neighbor shows a fireball that spread flames to the apartments above and below. Another explosion appeared to come from an air conditioner.
More than 100 people had to evacuate, but police say no one was hurt.
WCCO spoke to residents who say they're grateful for the quick response from police and fire crews, and their neighbors.
"There were people on other balconies, and some had windows open and standing in the yard. Everyone was saying, 'I called 911,' or you can hear people on the street saying 'I'm on the phone with them right now,'" said Nicole Woods.
Responding officers used a new tool gifted by the Masonic Lodge to stop the flames from spreading.
"It's called a fire suppression tool or FST," said Captain John Elder of the Robbinsdale Police Department. "You pull two pins and [the] agent shoots out through the sides."
Every Robbinsdale police cruiser has an FST.
"In Minneapolis and Saint Paul, the fire department may show up first because they're staffed 24 hours a day. Our firefighters are coming from home," Elder said. "This is an incredibly important tool for knocking it down or extinguishing it before the fire department gets there."
Each FST costs around $1,500.
The Red Cross is assisting displaced residents find a place to stay.
