Fire busts through roof of S. Mpls. house; woman missing is now found

An early morning fire roared from the basement and through the roof of a south Minneapolis house and initially prompted concern about a woman's whereabouts. Hours later, however, she was located safe away from the scene.

One firefighter was injured and soon treated without being kept at the hospital early Thursday, the Fire Department said.

By shortly after 7 a.m., the fire was contained and crews were clearing the scene.

Firefighters arrived to 3700 block of Park Avenue, on the corner with 38th Street, just before 1:30 a.m. . They entered the house to battle the blaze, which was in the basement and on the first floor, but they soon were forced outside to fight the flames outside because of the size of the fire.

Electricity in the area was cut off so the department could use aerial rigs as the flames broke through the roof.

Firefighters had equipment difficulties because of the subzero cold, and a Metro Transit bus was called in as a place to warm up.

The Red Cross is assisting a half-dozen adults affected by the fire.

Paul Walsh * 612-673-4482