No Serious Injuries In Dramatic Faribault House Fire

A Faribault house was destroyed by fire Saturday morning.  I finished with our Faribault Coaches Show broadcast from J-Mo's Bowl, got into my vehicle and started toward home when I noticed gigantic black smoke billowing from the east.

I surmised it was not far from my home, but more east.  I continued by my house on 7th Street Northwest and there were vehicles backed up for a few blocks because of gawkers looking at a raging fire in the next block that was the source of the smoke you could see billowing into the air.

Dustin Dienst, Faribault Fire Chief, released a news release later that day stating his department was joined by Faribault Police and North Ambulance.  At 10:30 a.m. they were dispatched to 521 8th Street Northwest.  A caller phoned and stated everyone was oout of the house and there was a lot of smoke.

The News Release goes on to report upon responders arrival the entire back of the home was on fire.  There were also two cars fully engulfed in flames behind the home.  Firefighters, "attacked the fire from the interior and the exterior of the home simultaneously.  The garage behind the home and the houses on both sides of the home were showing signs of heating as the siding was melting.  The fire was knocked down , and an extensive overhaul operation began.  Xcel (Energy) crews removed the downed power line and the gas to the home was shut off by firefighters.  North Ambulance crews assisted the homeowner who sustained some burns to his face, but did not want to be transported to the hospital."

Firefighters cleared the scene at 1:00 p.m.

Dienst reported the homeowner was outside when the fire broke out and was able to point out the location of the first sign of smoke.  There was no obvious cause, so the State Fire Marshal's Office was contacted to assist with the investigation which is on-going,

Chief Dienst said, "This fire defines the volatility of conditions being just right for fire to spread.  The weather conditions and the construction material enhanced the ability for this fire to grow rapidly.  Thankfully there were no major injuries to the homeowner or firefighters."

House Fire/Gordy Kosfeld