A fire broke out Tuesday afternoon at a home under construction in Minneapolis’ Linden Hills neighborhood, triggering a large-scale emergency response and forcing firefighters to adjust tactics due to potential hazardous materials inside the structure.
The Minneapolis Fire Department responded to reports of smoke and flames at a construction site in the 3900 block of Upton Avenue South around 3:30 p.m. When crews arrived, they encountered heavy smoke pouring from the unfinished home, along with visible flames and popping sounds coming from within the structure.
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Firefighters initially entered the building, advancing hose lines into the basement while conducting a search. Shortly after, crews were ordered to exit the structure after learning that propane tanks and gasoline may have been stored inside the home. Fire officials said the potential presence of flammable materials posed a safety risk, prompting a shift from an interior firefighting operation to a defensive, exterior attack.
Multiple hose lines were deployed around the property to contain the fire and protect neighboring homes in the tightly spaced residential area. Firefighters focused on preventing flames and radiant heat from spreading to adjacent structures, a common concern in residential neighborhoods with ongoing construction.
As the response continued into the evening, an MTC bus was brought to the scene to provide a warming area for residents displaced by the fire, as well as for firefighters working in cold conditions. Crews remained on site conducting overhaul operations, checking for hot spots and ensuring the fire was fully extinguished.
Fire officials confirmed that no injuries were reported as a result of the incident. The extent of damage to the structure under construction has not yet been released, and it remains unclear how the fire may impact the project’s timeline.
The Minneapolis Fire Department is investigating the cause of the fire. Officials have not announced whether the blaze was accidental or related to construction activity, and no further details were immediately available.
Originally reported by Riley Moser in CBS News.
