Police: Some Evidence Files Damaged In Mpls. City Hall Fire

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- The Minneapolis Police Department has closed its Property Room after a fire in Minneapolis City Hall's sub-basement early Monday morning.

Authorities say the fire started at around 1 a.m. inside the room. It was then extinguished by sprinklers and did not spread into the nearby 911 center. Smokey conditions did however prompt the relocation of some 911 staff.

While the fire affected 911 and police operations inside that space, city officials said that 911 service remained normal for Minneapolis residents. As of 6:30 a.m., operations in the 911 center returned to normal.

A Minneapolis police spokesman said there was a fair amount of damage in the Property Room to some evidence files, and police are trying to determine the extent of that damage. There was also some water damage to evidence files.

It's not clear when the Property Room will reopen. Property and Evidence personnel are in the process of removing water and debris from the area, as well as determining the extent of the damage.

No foul play is suspected, but investigators are still trying to pinpoint the cause of the fire.