Early morning fire damages Stevens House Museum in Minneapolis

UPDATE 6:30 a.m. – Flames have been extinguished at the historic John H. Stevens House in Minneapolis after a fire broke out during the early morning hours Tuesday.

The Stevens House, located near the intersection of 49th and Minnehaha Avenue, is considered to be one of the first homes built in Minneapolis. It has been at Minnehaha Park for more than 100 years, and is on the National Register of Historic Places.

The house was pulled down the road in 1896 by thousands of school children. CLICK HERE to learn more about the building, which the Minneapolis Park Board says was where Minneapolis and Hennepin County were organized.

When crews arrived around 5 a.m., they found smoke and flames in the back of the building, and once inside, found that the fire had burned through a first floor wall and extended to the second floor.

“I think we may have had a larger fire, however someone did see it. Knocked it down, and firefighters did an excellent job of getting here quickly,” said Deputy Chief Rita Juran of the Minneapolis Fire Department.

According to Juran, the building has suffered a “good amount of damage”, however, firefighters were able to save the structure and the contents inside of it.

The Minneapolis Fire Department says there is extensive damage caused by fire, smoke and water, and the building is now being cared for by a representative from the Minneapolis Park Board.

Juran said Tuesday morning the fire started on the outside of the home, making it suspicious, however the cause is still being investigated. Juran added there were no smoke detectors inside.

There have been a few volunteers at the museum Tuesday morning to check out the scene, who are discouraged to see the damage. They’re hoping to get inside the house soon to see what can be preserved.

Fire officials are crediting the person who called the fire in with helping to keep the home standing.

No firefighters were injured during the event.

A previous version of this report can be found below.

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INITIAL REPORT 6:05 a.m. – One of Minneapolis’ most historic homes has been damaged by an early morning fire.

Crews are currently at the historic Stevens House near Minnehaha Falls.

Flames could be seen going through the roof of the building around 5:30 a.m. Tuesday, causing extensive damage.

The Stevens House is considered to be one of the first homes built in Minneapolis. CLICK HERE to learn more about it.

5 EYEWITNESS NEWS has a crew at the scene working to get more information.

Check back for details.