Fire strikes downtown Minneapolis apartment building; 2 taken to HCMC

Two people were hospitalized and more than 50 displaced after a downtown Minneapolis apartment building caught fire late Sunday morning.

Flames were visible coming from the building at the corner of Portland Avenue and E. 8th Street, with smoke billowing from the third, fourth and fifth floors when firefighters arrived about noon. By shortly after 1 p.m., it appeared under control.

Minneapolis Fire Chief John Fruetel said a firefighter and a female resident were taken to Hennepin County Medical Center for observation. Police said the firefighter was suffering from a back injury, the woman from smoke inhalation. Investigators have not determined the cause of the fire, but said the building had been inspected within the past four years and that no fire or code violations had been found. The building is equipped with a fire alarm system but no building sprinklers, fire officials said.

Residents were gathered outside as firefighters worked in the building at 610 8th St. S., which was surrounded by at least a half-dozen firetrucks.

Resident Phil Jackson, 68, said apartment manager Amy Simonson knocked on everyone's doors to alert them. Simonson said there are 40 units in the five-story structure, with all but two units occupied.

Simonson said residents were able to gather a few items Sunday evening, but would not be able to stay in building. She does not know when residents will be allowed back inside.

The Red Cross set up a temporary shelter for the displaced residents at Gustavus Adolphus Lutheran Church, spokesman Rob Litt said.

"It's scary. We don't know what's going on," Anderson said. "We could use some prayers."

Anderson said many people were crying and afraid because they didn't have renters insurance and "live paycheck to paycheck."

Karen Zamora • 612-673-4647