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Massive Blaze Destroys Lakefront Home in West Metro
May 27 – More than a dozen fire departments were called to a raging fire that consumed a Shorewood home on Friday afternoon. The fire occurred in an area with no hydrants.
Firefighters were called to 3944 Enchanted Dr., on Enchanted Island, around 2 p.m.
“On arrival, part of the house was gone and about 50 percent of the home was fully engulfed,” Mound Fire Chief Greg Pederson told Lake Minnetonka Patch.
According to realtor.com, the two-story home featured 3,800 square feet of living space and a four-car garage. The home was valued at around $1.7 million. A Google Map view shows the home at the end of a
two-lane road on an island surrounded by Phelps Bay.
As crews responded, it was reported that three occupants were home.
Just as crews prepared to enter the home, it they got word that the home was unoccupied. “That’s not only a relief for the people inside, but also for the firefighters,” Pederson told KSTP-TV. “We had a crew going in the front door trying to make a rescue.”
According to various media reports, firefighters used water from Phelps Bay and tanker shuttles to bring the fire under control.
Local media is also reporting that the fire may have been sparked by a natural gas explosion. Fire and utilities officials are investigating.
Click here to see video and here to see hundreds of photos.
Following is a list of departments that responded, according to various sources. There maybe more and we apologize if we missed them: Chaska, Chanhassen, Excelsior, Long Lake, Loretto, Maple Plain, Minnetrista, Mound, St. Bonifacius, Victoria, Watertown and Wayzata.
Area Firefighters Participate in Stair Climb
Apple Valley FD Photo
Firefighters from across the metro participated in the 2011 Fight for Air Climb at the Accenture Tower in Minneapolis last Saturday.
Congratulations to the more than 400 participants. The overall goal of all climbers was to bring in $140,000 and they exceeded that by $12,193.61.
Firefighters from the following climbed: Shakopee, Stewartville, Long Lake, Lexington, Apple Valley, Golden Valley, Chanhassen, Brooklyn Park, West Metro, Richmond, Jordan, Kensington, Glencoe, and Pierre.
Following are the results from the firefighter categories:
Fastest Firefighter
- Fastest Male Firefighter – Mark Alberts, Hutchinson Fire Department – 4:48
- Fastest Female Firefighter – Nancy Schmelzle, St. Louis Park – 6:59
Top Fundraising Firefighter Teams
- Overall Top Fundraising Firefighter Team – Golden Valley Fire Department – $9,650
- 2nd Place Fundraising Firefighter Team – Chanhassen Fire Department – $6,170
- 3rd Place Fundraising Firefighter Team – Stewartville Fire – $3,865
Top Fundraising Firefighters
- Top Fundraising Firefighter – Ken Bence, Golden Valley Fire Department – $4,660
- 2nd Place Fundraising Firefighter – Steve Smith, Chanhassen Fire Department – $1,530
- 3rd Place Fundraising Firefighter – John Williams, Chanhassen Fire Department – $1,345
Fastest Firefighter Teams
- Overall Fastest Fire Fighter Team – Hutchinson Fire Department – 27:56
- 2nd Place Fastest Firefighter Team – Long Lake Fire Department – 28:32
- 3rd Place Fastest Firefighter Team – Shakopee Fire – 28:44
In the photo above, the Apple Valley Fire Department Smoke Eaters climbing team. Front row: (left to right) Marisa Holman, Lt. Colleen Elvin and Laura Basballe. Back row: (left to right) Brian Benson, Lt. Pat Gram, Tom Ilg.
Click here for more information on the climb and click here for more photos.
Dozens of Firefighters Battle Orono House Fire
Dozens of firefighters responded to a house fire in Orono early on Monday morning.
Long Lake firefighters were called to 110 Smith Ave. just after 1 a.m. The first fire units on scene reported flames showing from the rear of the dwelling.
Mutual aid was called from several departments, including Plymouth and Wayzata.
KMSP reports that no injuries were reported.
We’ll update this story as more information becomes available.
Related Article:
Twin Cities Fire Wire 