Edina, Minn., Oct. 19, 2023 – Edina Fire Marshal Dave Ehmiller has determined the Oct. 9 duplex fire in the 7000 block of McCauley Trail South was accidental and caused from ashes being discarded improperly.
A resident of one of the duplex units put ashes from a fire in a plastic bag after they thought the ashes had been fully extinguished. The bag was then placed next to the home, but the bag eventually ignited, quickly engulfing the whole back side of the unit and extending to the adjacent unit.
“Always thoroughly douse ashes with water and make sure they are cool before disposing them,” said Ehmiller. “Also remember to never discard ashes near a structure like a house, garage, shed, etc.”
Eight residents were displaced due to this fire. Edina Fire was called back to the duplex twice later in the night after the original fire due to two small hot spots that had reignited. Mutual aid assistance was provided by Richfield, St. Louis Park, Bloomington, Eden Prairie, Hopkins, Minnetonka and Golden Valley fire departments and Hennepin EMS.
For more information about the Edina Fire Department, visit EdinaMN.gov/Fire.