Fire that killed 2 in August was intentionally set, Minneapolis officials say
The scene of an intentionally-set fire that killed two people in Minneapolis on Aug. 13 at 1501 11th Avenue South.
An August apartment fire that killed two people was determined to have been intentionally set, Minneapolis fire officials announced Monday.
As previously reported, crews responded to the fire at 9:42 p.m. on Aug. 13 at 1501 11th Avenue South. There had been reports of “someone possibly starting a fire” as heavy flames spread to the four-story building.
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Along with the two people who died, Minneapolis Fire says four others were hurt and dozens more were forced from their home.
On Wednesday, the Hennepin County Medical Examiner identified the two deaths as 59-year-old Debbie Leshelle Allen of New Richmond Wisconsin, and 66-year-old Kerry Sims of Minneapolis.
Both of their deaths were ruled as a homicide caused by the inhalation of the products of combustion
Fire officials added that the fire originated in the inner rear entranceway and spread upward in the stairwell to the roof.
5 EYEWITNESS NEWS is working to get the full reports for this case. Check back for updates.