Crime & Safety

UPDATED: Inver Grove Heights Fire Crews Respond to Rosemount Fire

The Tuesday morning fire gutted a Rosemount home, but no injuries were reported.

An elderly man is homeless after a fire completely destroyed his Rosemount house early Tuesday morning.

According to Rosemount Assistant Fire Chief Jim Voelker, firefighters responded to a 911 call at 12232 Akron Ave. about 3 a.m. "The call was made by a passerby who reported seeing the fire," said Voelker. "By the time we arrived, the house was in flames and the resident had escaped."

Rosemount firefighters were joined by crews from Inver Grove Heights, Eagan and Farmington. At the height of the fire, about 50 personnel were involved in the effort, which included six engines, four tankers, two rescue units and several other vehicles.

Voelker said that during the firefighting efforts, units from Apple Valley were put on standby to help out in Rosemount in case a fire in another part of town was reported at the same time.

"That's a pretty typical decision when we have units out in an area that's a bit far out there," said Voelker. "It just ensures we have the help available if we need it."

Fire Marshal John Kendall said attempts to put out the fire were hampered by the location of the home, which is located more than 2,000 feet from the nearest road and fire hydrant. "Fire crews had to set up a tanker on the road and work from there."

The home is located at the top of a narrow, winding driveway that is unpaved and steep in some sections. Kendall said that also made things challenging for firefighters. "They were having difficulty getting up the drive and it was a long way to drag equipment."

Kendall said the homeowner credits his life to the smoke alarm system installed in the home. "It was one of those smoke alarms that speaks and warns there is a fire," said Kendall. "It appears the fire may have started somewhere on the other side of the house from where he (the homeowner) was sleeping. He believes he wouldn't have gotten out in time without the smoke alarm."

The cause of the fire is still under investigation. The home is owned by the Flint Hills Refinery.


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