Cause Of Minneapolis House Fires Undetermined

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) – Authorities said the cause of two fires Monday night in Minneapolis, one that ended up fatal, are undetermined as fire officials continue to investigate.

Crews were called to a fire at 1631 Newton Ave. N. at about 10:46 p.m. and when they arrived, fire and smoke was showing from a 2-and-a-half story home. Firefighters located the blaze but had to evacuate after it had burned partially through the first floor and porch, making the home unstable. Three residents were able to make it out safely, but the home suffered extensive damage.

Authorities said the fire started in the basement of the home behind a dryer and file cabinet. One firefighter suffered a minor knee injury during the fire.

At about 10:54 p.m., firefighters were called to another blaze at 2427 Pleasant Ave. S. When crews arrived, there was an active and heavy fire in an upstairs bedroom in the home. Authorities said the extent of the damage in the fire was in the bedroom.

Crews were able to pull one man out of the home, but he later died. He has not yet been identified. It comes just nine days after a 46-year-old man died in another north Minneapolis fire.

Fire officials said the cause of the last two are undetermined and are still under investigation.