Watch CBS News

Fire Near Non-Working Hydrant Ruled Arson

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- A Minneapolis house fire last week at which crews experienced trouble with a nearby fire hydrant was ruled arson.

According to the city fire department, the fire which began at a home on Queen and 21st Avenues North late Feb. 2 appears to have been deliberately set.

Crews had to fight from the exterior because the house was fully engulfed when they arrived.

No one was injured as the home was vacant at the time of the fire.

One nearby fire hydrant didn't work, so the firefighters were forced to use other nearby hydrants that did. Much of the house was destroyed.

The fire department said it is common for more than one fire hydrant to be utilized while fighting fires.

As it turned out, the one in question in this case was frozen. It had been checked three times so far this winter to ensure no water was inside, but rain and snowmelt may have gotten inside the jacket around the hydrant and caused it to freeze.

The arson unit requests anyone with information about the case contact them at (612) 673-3389.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.