No injuries, dozens displaced after Minneapolis apartment building fire

Firefighters rushed to rescue more than a dozen residents from a Minneapolis apartment fire Tuesday morning. 

The fire started around 1 a.m. at an apartment building off Penn Avenue North and 36th Avenue North.

A KSTP crew at the scene learned one unit was destroyed and others were damaged. According to an update Tuesday, the Minneapolis Fire Department reported the fire was "an undetermined second-alarm fire" that started in the kitchen of the destroyed unit.

According to the update, fire investigation team members said they were not able to identify "the ignition source and where that ignition source met the first fuel ignited," adding that authorities were also "unable to establish if the stove controls were in the on position as they were melted beyond recognition of position."

Firefighters at the scene told KSTP they felt lucky a fire station is right around the corner. 

Given the size of the fire and windy conditions, the fire had taken over most of the apartment complex, authorities said.

Many residents were trapped on the second floor and firefighters used ladders to rescue them.

"When our crews arrived here, we had approximately 12 to 15 people hanging off the balconies," Deputy Chief Kathleen Mullen, with the Minneapolis Fire Department, said.

No one was seriously hurt as a result of the fire. One person attempted to exit the complex by using the hallway and he was treated for smoke inhalation. 

The fire has left about 25 people without a home. KSTP has learned some of the damaged units belonged to families.

The Red Cross was at the scene to ensure those displaced had somewhere to go Tuesday morning. 

Fire Under Control. No victims or injuries reported. Cause of the fire is under investigation.

— Minneapolis Fire (@MinneapolisFire) April 21, 2020

Stay with 5 EYEWITNESS NEWS and KSTP.com for updates.