Minneapolis Fire Battalion Chief Suffers Minor Injuries In Crash

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) – A Minneapolis fire official suffered minor injuries early Wednesday morning after being involved in a crash while responding to a call, authorities said.

Fire crews were called at about 1 a.m. to a multi-residential apartment building on the 1800 block of LaSalle Avenue. Authorities said the fire turned out to be burnt food on a stove and as crews were busy with the fire alarm in the building, Minneapolis Fire Battalion Chief Randy Miller was sitting in his SUV rig when he was rear-ended by an SUV, which caught fire.

The driver of the SUV was not hurt, but Miller was taken to a hospital for minor injuries. His vehicle also suffered damage to the rear bumper, tailgate, right turn signal and exhaust piping. Police were called to the scene and after a field sobriety test, the driver of the SUV was taken into custody.

The Minneapolis Fire Department said Miller is fine, but it's a reminder of the dangers emergency responders face when heading to a scene. Motorists are required by law to move over when they see an emergency vehicle and wait until it passes to continue traveling.