On Sunday morning in St. Paul’s Merriam Park area, a home fire claimed one life.
At 8:40 in the morning, firefighters were dispatched to the 1800 block of Carroll Avenue due to a building fire. A two-story house was emitting “strong smoke and flames” when they arrived, according to a press statement from the St. Paul Fire Department.
Firefighters had to drag a third person outside after two occupants of the residence managed to escape on their own, according to the press release. It was discovered that he had passed away after sustaining serious injuries.
The man’s passing is the first fire fatality of the year for the city.
Investigators are of the opinion that the kitchen-related fire was unintentional.
The fire took four hours to put out, despite the efforts of more than 70 firemen. Two firemen sustained injuries.
A cat that was discovered inside the house perished in the fire, and the adjoining house’s exterior was damaged.
The fire forced the relocation of four persons, and authorities were collaborating with the Red Cross to assist them.
