Rochester, MN (KROC-AM News)- The Rochester Fire Department fought a fire that broke out at an apartment building in arctic temperatures Tuesday afternoon. 

KROC-AM logo
Get our free mobile app

A news release says crews were dispatched to the fire shortly after 12:30 p.m. Crews found smoke coming from the building’s first floor and an evacuation in progress when they arrived. 

The fire broke out at the Andover Apartments at 1958 8 ½ St. Southeast. Firefighters determined the fire had started in a crawl underneath the building’s first floor. 

Google
Google
loading...

The location and spread of the fire, along with the near-zero temperatures made the fire difficult to extinguish, the news release says. Crews eventually overcame the difficult conditions and extinguished the blaze. 

A Mayo Clinic Ambulance crew responded to the fire, however no injuries were reported. A damage estimate is not yet available. 

File Photo of Rochester Fire Truck. TJ Leverentz/TSM Rochester Rochester/Preston
File Photo of Rochester Fire Truck. TJ Leverentz/TSM Rochester Rochester/Preston
loading...

There’s no word on any residents being displaced. The Rochester Police Department and American Red Cross also responded to the fire. 

No cause has been released, however the Rochester Fire Department used the response to remind the public of the dangers associated with using portable heaters to heat homes during cold snaps. 

Rochester Fire Department
photo by Andy Brownell/Townsquare Media
loading...

The Minnesota State Fire Marshal’s Office says 10% of house fires are started by portable heaters. 

Rochester Fire Department news release
Rochester Fire Department news release
loading...

Fire officials are reminding citizens to ensure portable heaters are at least three feet away from flammable materials, to turn off heaters when leaving a room or going to sleep, never use an oven to heat a home, have annual inspections of chimney’s and heating systems and to ensure wood-burning stoves are properly installed and ventilated. 

The news release says bitter cold temperatures make firefighting more difficult by causing hoselines to freeze solid, preventing small engines from working properly and locking up fire trucks.

More Minnesota News:

14 Of The Most Minnesota MNDOT Road Sign Messages

Gallery Credit: Ken Hayes

 

More From KROC-AM