One resident was killed and two others were injured as a short-lived fire broke out early Friday in a unit of an independent senior living complex next door to Woodbury High School, a facility spokesman said.

A dispatcher with the Washington County Sheriff's Office said the fire broke out around 4 a.m. at Woodbury Senior Living at 7008 Lake Road. Several agencies and ambulances responded to the scene.

Authorities have yet to say how the fire began.

A spokesman for the complex said one resident died in the fire and two others who lived there were injured.

"We're heartbroken by the death of one of our tenants," said spokesman Jon Austin. "We will do everything in our power to assist the investigators in determining the cause. ... We are also looking to the needs of two other tenants who were taken to the hospital for treatment."

A number of residents were removed from the building, and some were treated for smoke inhalation. A firefirefighter also was treated for smoke inhalation, said Fire Chief Todd Johnson.

Terry Sauer, Star Tribune
A fire was reported in a Woodbury senior complex in Woodbury in the 7000 block of Lake Rd. just after 4 a.m. according to Woodbury Fire Chief Todd Johnson. Heavy smoke filled the first floor. Fire was extinguished. Mutual aid from nearby fire departments helped with the fire. More than a dozen ambulances responded. Residents were evacuated from the building. ] JIM GEHRZ � james.gehrz@startribune.com / Woodbury, MN / March 28, 2015 /4:45 AM

Except for the east wing on the first floor, which is uninhabitable, residents were allowed back in the building.

The facility is operated by the nonprofit Senior Care Communities Inc., based in St. Paul. Senior Care also has locations in Eden Prairie, Minneapolis and Forest Lake.

"Should it be necessary, we're ready to relocate any affected tenants to other nearby facilities where we have capacity available for for them to stay as long as needed," Austin said.

Paul Walsh 612-673-4482