Woman dead, 12-year-old among those injured in fire on Rainy Lake
Firefighters work to put flames out on a building on Rainy Lake. Credit: Bruce Jean/Rainy Lake Guiding
Authorities say an 85-year-old woman has died following a fire at Northernaire Houseboats on Rainy Lake Wednesday.
According to WDIO-TV, the fire, which was reported shortly after 5 p.m., also sent the woman’s daughter and a 12-year-old to the hospital. In addition, WDIO-TV reports two firefighters were treated for heat exhaustion and dehydration, and four other firefighters were sent home for heat exhaustion and dehydration, but didn’t need treatment.
The 85-year-old woman’s daughter, identified as a 51-year-old, is reported to be in critical condition. The 12-year-old girl is in stable condition.
The 51-year-old had reportedly tried to go back inside to rescue her mother.
While flames were under control by about 8:30 p.m. Wednesday, authorities say the flames were extremely hot due to the older logs in the building’s structure.
Koochiching County authorities say the early signs in their investigation point to the fire being accidental.
A video shared by Rainy Lake Guiding showed the building engulfed with flames, and can be found below. Officials said this was the main business office and home.