Robbinsdale apartment fire displaces residents; 3 firefighters injured

Updated 11:09 a.m. | Posted 7:29 a.m.

About a dozen residents were displaced and three firefighters were injured as a result of a fire at an apartment complex in Robbinsdale early Friday.

The fire was reported at about 1:30 a.m. at the Beach South at the Lake Apartments on the 4200 block of 46th Avenue North, according to Robbinsdale fire marshal Greg Bodin.

More than a 100 firefighters from Robbinsdale and 13 neighboring departments helped put out the fire. Bodin said the fire was under control by about 8 a.m.

"You think about the impact of a fire like for the people, these 12 units, their home is gone," Bodin said. "But the impact for us as firefighters in terms of these situations too, and here's a case where three of our comrades were wounded."

All residents were safely evacuated, but three firefighters were treated for minor burns at North Memorial Medical Center, Bodin said. Lit cigarettes appear to be responsible for the fire, according to preliminary investigation by the department. The investigation of the fire is still continuing.

Red Cross volunteers have been providing assistance at the scene of the fire throughout the morning, said Carrie Carlson-Guest, spokesperson for the Minnesota region of the Red Cross.

Red Cross volunteers are helping families find shelter, clothes and other immediate needs like food and medication. The Red Cross is also be helping residents who live in apartments that were badly damaged by smoke or water make long-term plans.