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1 Killed, 4 Hurt In South Minneapolis Fire

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) - One woman was killed and four others were injured after a fire spread quickly through a south Minneapolis home early Saturday morning.

The fire occurred around 4:30 a.m. on the 2800 block of First Avenue South. It was a three-alarm fire almost immediately.

Minneapolis Fire Chief John Fruetel says the flames were difficult to put out.

"The structure has heavy trees in the front yard. So the access for laddering was very difficult. Fences around the structure made it difficult and heavy involvement of fire upon first arrival made it very difficult," said Fruetel.

Family and friends came to the house Saturday afternoon to see the extensive damage, and to be with one another during a difficult time. The four who survived the fire were transported to Hennepin County Medical Center to have their injuries treated. Their conditions were not immediately released.

Donna Primozich, a friend of the victim, say the woman died trying to save others inside the home.

"She heard the baby cry and then she went back in to (the house) save the grand kid. The fire came on really strong, and she never made it back out," says Primozich.

The victim was a teacher at beauty salon located behind the house that is destroyed.

Two survivors were rescued up on the third floor, and three others, including the person who died, were found inside. In total, four people were taken to Hennepin County Medical Center. Their conditions were not immediately released.

Fire investigators are trying to find out how this fire started, and burned so quickly.

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