Updated: 11/11/2009 7:36 PM KSTP.com | Print |  Email
By: Becky Nahm

Contractor Blamed for Burnsville Townhome Fire

A fire that destroyed two Burnsville townhomes was caused by a roofing contractor who used an open flame on combustible material, according to fire officials.

The report confirms what neighbors suspected.

They said they saw crews working on the roof before the fire started.

The fire was first reported at 6:40 p.m. Tuesday night. It grew into a four-alarm fire that burned through the townhomes located on the 12200 block of County Road 11.

The fire rekindled just before 6 a.m. Wednesday. 5 EYEWITNESS NEWS reporter Steve Shaw was on the scene. He saw the flames and called 911.

A police officer was able to quickly douse the flames with a fire extinguisher. Officials said the rekindled fire did not cause any additional damage.

Residents of four other townhomes located near the two that were destroyed have not been able to return to their homes yet.

Fire officials said they will be allowed to return once the property owners and utility companies are able to restore services to the homes.