Dec. 22 -- PINE ISLAND, Minn. -- A Pine Island, Minnesota family is displaced after a fire damaged their home early Sunday morning, Dec. 22, 2024.
The Pine Island Fire Department was called to the 800 block of White Bridge Road Northeast for a report of a chimney fire at a home there shortly after 12:30 a.m. The people who live there were outside and told firefighters that they were awake and in the house when smoke started to fill the home.
Firefighters found smoke coming from the second floor. Crews found fire on the first and second floors and were able to extinguish the fires. The fire department reports heavy fire damage near the fireplace which extended into the second floor and into the basement of the house.
Crews then found fire had spread to the outside walls of the attic and spread to the roof. Firefighters were on the scene until 4:45 a.m. to help save personal items that belonged to the homeowners and prevent further fire damage.
Fire officials say the fire was likely caused by debris from the fireplace. They estimate about $100,000 in damage to the home.
The Oronoco Fire Department provided extra personnel to battle the blaze. Oronoco First Responders, the Olmsted County Sheriff's Office, the Minnesota State Fire Marshall's Office also assisted the Pine Island Fire Department. The People's Food Co-op, the American Red Cross of Southern Minnesota provided help for the displaced family.