Man found in burning Mpls. building dies

A man died after he was taken out of an abandoned home in north Minneapolis that caught fire early Wednesday, authorities said.

The home at 1426 Barnes Place was reported on fire about 12:30 a.m., according to the Minneapolis Fire Department. The unidentified man was found unconscious on the first floor and was pronounced dead at the Hennepin County Medical Center, said Assistant Fire Chief Cherie Penn.

Two firefighters also were hurt when they fell through a first-floor hole into the basement, Penn said. The injuries are considered minor.

The flames were out by about 1:30 a.m. There is no word yet on how the fire started.

Penn said her department wants citizens to "contact law enforcement if they see any evidence of trespassing at vacant properties in their neighborhoods."

Apartment fire

A few hours later, firefighters were on the scene of another blaze in Minneapolis, this one on the top floor of a three-story apartment building on 33rd Avenue S. near the Crosstown highway, Penn said.

A firefighter also was slightly hurt, Penn said.

While the fire's cause has yet to be determined, Penn suggested that cooking was involved.

"Cooking fires are the leading cause of accidental structure fires in the U.S.," she said. "As a reminder, the Minneapolis Fire Department always stresses that residents make sure there are working smoke detectors in your home ... and to 'look while you cook.'"

Paul Walsh • 612-673-4482