Twin Cities musician Grant Hart suffered a two-room fire at his home in South St. Paul and was temporarily hospitalized Wednesday, but friends say the Hüsker Dü veteran is doing alright now and sorting through the damage.

The South Metro Fire Department responded to an emergency call at the house at 2:43 p.m. and arrived to find fire and smoke coming out of a window. Friends said Hart, 49, is happy that his two cats survived. The home originally belonged to his father and his mother. Among the items lost were a favorite guitar and some gear, said Hüsker Dü attorney and friend Doug Myren, but Hart is "still picking through everything and doesn't know how much of his other gear might have been hurt by smoke damage."

Reps from First Avenue and the Turf Club said they were interested in holding benefits for Hart if needed. Hart played 7th Street Entry on Christmas and came straight off a European tour to perform at First Ave's 40th-anniversary party in December.

CHRIS RIEMENSCHNEIDER