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Intense 3-alarm fire breaks out at auto salvage yard in Shakopee

911 callers reported thick smoke rising from Highway 101 Auto Salvage around 10:15 a.m., and by the time crews arrived a mechanics garage was engulfed in flames.

SHAKOPEE, Minn. — Crews from multiple south metro departments battled a 3-alarm fire that erupted Wednesday morning on the grounds of an auto salvage business in Shakopee.

City spokesperson Amanda McKnight told KARE 11 that dispatchers began receiving 911 calls around 10:15 a.m., reporting smoke billowing from a location on a frontage road just off Highway 101. By the time engines arrived at Highway 101, Auto Salvage — a mechanics' garage — was engulfed in flames and thick, black smoke. First responders quickly accounted for all employees and then went to work. 

The building was deemed unsafe to enter so fire crews began an exterior attack. The fire quickly elevated to two alarms and then a third, summoning fire personnel from Belle Plaine, Bloomington, Carver, Chaska, Jordan, Prior Lake, Savage and the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community. The city of Chanhassen is covering the city of Shakopee for any other calls that are made. 

Shakopee Fire Chief Mike Scott says it appears the fire started when a mechanic was cutting a gas line out of a vehicle and sparks ignited gasoline. 

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