Police: Resident started fire at Northfield assisted-living facility

Updated: February 6, 2012 - 5:52 PM

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A firefighter requested help from two colleagues before going back in the Valleyview facility.

Photo: Jeff Wheeler, Star Tribune

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A 46-year-old resident has admitted to starting a fire that caused smoke damage throughout an assisted-living facility in Northfield on Sunday, police said.

Northfield Deputy Police Chief Chuck Walerius said the fire at the Valleyview assisted-living facility was started in the closet of the resident's apartment. Damage was contained to that unit, and all 38 residents were evacuated without injuries.

No charges have been filed. Walerius said the resident likely has a mental disability and is being evaluated at Hennepin County Medical Center. The Rice County Attorney's Office will decide whether to file charges.

Walerius said residents should be able to return to the facility as early as Tuesday. Valleyview officials said no further information was available.

ASHLEY BRAY