Vehicle fire catches townhome on fire - Eagan, Minnesota
Photos provided by Jami Skinn.
EAGAN, MINNESOTA - Around 12:12 PM on Thursday, November 17, 2022, 911 operators received a call about a pickup truck that was on fire close to a townhome in the 3200 block of Valley Ridge Dr in Eagan, Minnesota. This is the Cedar Bluff Townhomes area. This call was quickly upgraded to a vehicle and structure fire with the caller confirming the fire had now spread to the townhome.
The initial call dispatched Eagan Engine #20 and Eagan rescue #1, but with the expansion of the vehicle to a structure fire, the call was quickly upgraded to a second alarm fire with Eagan Engine #1, Eagan Chiefs #2 and #3, Eagan Ladder #4, Burnsville Engine #21, Burnsville Medic #4, and Burnsville Chief all being dispatched to the scene. Mendota Heights Engine #11 and Mendota Heights Ladder #10 were also dispatched to the call but did not have crews available to assist at the time, so they were put on standby.
After crews on the scene performed a 360 walkaround, they reported no fire on the back of the building, but that there was heavy fire coming from the front of the townhome where the truck that was on fire was located. Crews were taking an offensive attack on the fire and reportedly used two fire suppression grenades on the fire. They were requesting additional lines for the heavy fire at the front of the building. Eagan Police were additionally on the scene helping with traffic control and evacuating people from the neighboring homes.
Crews investigated if there was any fire extension into the neighboring townhome exposures with crews determining there was no fire extension into the side townhomes, some smoke was reported though. Crews then worked to gain access to the attic to inspect for any extension which crews confirmed there was no extension to the attic either.
By around 12:46 PM, crews reported the fire was out and they weren’t seeing any hot spots at the time and are doing an overhaul. Burnsville Engine #21 was relieved and allowed to leave. By 12:49 PM crews working on the overhaul found a few hot spots which they were working to mop up. Mendota Heights was cleared from the call by around 12:53 PM and the scene was marked “okay” at 12:54 PM per command on scene. Most units were leaving the scene of the fire by 1:30 PM.
At this time there do not appear to be any injuries, but we will be reaching out to the Eagan Fire Department for further comment and confirmation in regard to that. What caused the truck to initially catch fire is not known at this time.
According to neighbor Jami Skinn, the family impacted by this fire is a family of five with three elementary-aged children. Jami says the family is unsure of their needs at this time as they are still processing everything, but they have lost a vehicle and their home is not livable at this time.
If you would like to providethe family a monetary donation, you can do that directly through Venmo via @sidyalopez.
Requested item donations can be dropped off at 3275 Valley Ridge Drive in Eagan, Minnesota
Some items they are asking for include:
Shoes for daughter size 2, and clothes for 10 or 11 years old.
Shoes for son size 1, and clothes for 8 years old.
Cat food.
Food or gift cards for food
The PikaMom is also accepting donations and has made the following statement:
”The family will need alternative housing for a while, food, gas, and money to replace necessities. With the holidays approaching, this can make it even more difficult. As a prequel to our 12 Days of Christmas, let's put the "giving" in Thanksgiving. With your donations, I will purchase gas cards, grocery cards, and also provide the family with cash. Donation information is below.”
Venmo: @thepikamom
PayPal & Zelle: jmpeery83@gmail.com
