Family Displaced In 1 Of 2 Overnight NE Minneapolis Fires

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- The Minneapolis Fire Department battled two fires – and bitter cold – in northeast Minneapolis overnight.

Shortly before 1 a.m. Wednesday, firefighters responded to the first fire, located at Alliance Steel on 81 St. Anthony Parkway. Upon arrival, firefighters saw smoke showing from the roof of a large warehouse and learned that an aluminum pile was burning inside.

Due to the location of the fire and subzero temperatures, firefighters needed to be tied off before entry for rapid retrieval if needed. After trying several entry points, firefighters confirmed where the fire was and what was burning.

Around 40 firefighters responded to the eventual three-alarm fire and battled it for hours. They cleared the scene shortly after 7 a.m.

The cause of the fire was determined to be an accident caused by a spark from a cutting tool. Work was being done too close to a combustible metal, Minneapolis Fire said.

Shortly before 5:30 a.m., many of the same crews that cleared the St. Anthony Parkway fire were dispatched to the report of a house fire on 2943 Polk St. NE. There, they found smoke and fire showing from a one-and-a-half-story house.

After learning everyone had made it out, firefighters entered and extinguished a living room fire that extended into the walls and exterior.

No one was injured and the Red Cross is assisting the family.

Both fires are being investigated.