MINNEAPOLIS — Minneapolis fire crews are being credited for helping residents escape a burning townhome in the Phillips neighborhood late Monday night.
The Minneapolis Fire Department said in a news release that crews responded to reports of a fire inside the two-and-a-half-story home on the 2400 block of 18th Ave. S around 11:40 p.m. Firefighters encountered heavy smoke and visible flames and learned residents might be inside the burning building. First responders then forced their way into the home and evacuated everyone inside.
Crews evacuated adjoining units to make sure everyone was safe. All residents of the complex were soon accounted for.
A second alarm was called for additional personnel and equipment as the fire grew, jumping to townhomes attached to the unit that was burning. Paramedics evaluated two residents for smoke inhalation but fire officials said they did not need further treatment.
A Metro Transit bus arrived at the scene to shelter displaced residents, and the Red Cross responded to assist one adult and two children with shelter and other needs.
Fire crews battled the blaze for several hours before it was fully extinguished. Investigators are working to determine a cause.
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