Two Killed, Two Firefighters Burned in Minnesota Apartment Fire

Duluth, MN (KROC-AM News)- An apartment fire in Duluth Saturday morning claimed the lives of two people and resulted in burn injuries for two firefighters. 

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The Duluth Fire Department says crews were dispatched to a structure fire in the 600 block of East 3rd St. shortly before 6 a.m. Responding firefighters reported seeing heavy smoke and a fire burning at an eight-unit, two-story apartment building. 

Firefighters rescued multiple people from inside of the building and through the use of ladders along the structure’s exterior. Other occupants were able to exit on their own. 

Officials say fire crews removed a second-floor occupant out of a window and administered life-saving measures. The person was transported to a hospital where they were pronounced dead. 

Firefighters attempted to rescue a second person from the same apartment but were forced to evacuate after the flames had flushed over. That person was found dead, the Duluth Fire Department says. 

Two of the firefighters involved in that rescue effort suffered burn injuries and were treated and released at a hospital. The names of the fatal fire victims and the injured firefighters have not yet been released. Crews also rescued several housecats, however some perished in the fire. 

The Duluth and Minnesota State Fire Marshal's Office are investigating the cause of the deadly blaze. Officials say the apartment building suffered significant damage and that much of the structure’s roof had collapsed as a result of the deadly fire. The American Red Cross is assisting displaced tenants.