Fire damages several homes, garages in St. Paul

Several St. Paul homes and garages were damaged by fire early Tuesday. 

The damage occurred on Cumberland Avenue off Arlington Avenue West just before 2 a.m.

Four garages were destroyed and there was some damage to the surrounding homes as the fire spread down the alley.

There were no serious injuries reported and authorities are investigating what may have caused the fire.

St. Paul Fire Deputy Chief Roy Mokosso says it's still too early in the investigation to say if arson is a possible cause.

"Due to the size of the fire, it's tough to identify an area of origin or a cause until the investigation can be completed," he said.

Jeanne Swintosky and Rick Fletcher were two of the residents who lost their garage in the fire.  They ran to get their cars and bikes out before the structure was engulfed.

"It really lit up the neighborhood," said Swintosky. 

@StPaulFireDept crews responded to a fire involving four garages on the 1500 block of Cumberland Street. Firefighters were on scene for over three hours extinguishing the fire and conducting overhaul. The fire is under investigation. pic.twitter.com/hQ7PiKwJS9

— Saint Paul Fire Dept (@StPaulFireDept) April 28, 2020