Arson suspected in St. Paul apartment fire, 42 units condemned
Members of the St. Paul Fire Department work to put out flames at an apartment complex. Credit: St. Paul Fire Department
The St. Paul Fire Department says investigators believe an apartment fire that caused one person to be treated at the scene was set intentionally.
According to fire officials, crews were called to the 100 block of Larpenteur Avenue West at 12:45 p.m. Thursday. There, they found flames coming from the third floor of the building.
One person was helped to safety from the porch of their third-story balcony and one patient was treated at the scene. No other injuries were reported.
Officials say flames extended beyond the apartment where the fire started and caused significant damage due to the heat, smoke and fire.
The building was inspected and 42 units were condemned.
The Red Cross was brought in to coordinate shelter for multiple residents who are now displaced, and animal control is also providing shelter for pets who lived at the complex, the fire department says.
Members of the city’s fire and police departments are still investigating the fire.