Two Pets Died in Sunday Night's Danube Road Fire

Two kids, ages 12 and 17, , but two of their pets perished in the blaze.

Fridley Fire Chief John Berg put out this statement:

Anoka County Central Communications received a call from the resident at 5555 W Danube Road at 10:21 pm and Fridley Fire was dispatched to “Across Street From Location… Vehicle On Fire Inside Attached Garage… House Now Starting” A police officer and Allina Ambulance crew arrived first and photographed the home. The fire was already through the roof on the garage was well involved. The actual address is 5568 West Danube Road.

Fridley Engine 3 arrived with Captain 20 and initiated a defensive strategy using the deck gun on the truck to protect the house on the B side (South) and two 1 ¾ inch hand lines to the A side (East). They were able to establish their own water supply from the hydrant in the yard next door. Fridley Aerial 2 arrived and set up two master streams from the aerial on the A side. They laid their own supply line from a hydrant to the north of the home. New Brighton was requested for an engine and later sent another crew during the overhaul phase. Columbia Heights Chief 2 arrived and assisted Captain 20 with command and operations until Fridley Chief 2 arrived. Fridley Chief 2 ran operations with New Brighton Chief Hamdorf in command. Columbia Heights and Coon Rapids also supplied crews at the fire scene and Coon Rapids Engine 1 covered the City of Fridley taking two medical calls. Additional lines were laid to the C Side to control the fire.

The home is  wood frame  construction with vaulted ceilings on the main level and a walk out basement. A ruptured fuel tank on the vehicle in the garage forced the aerial master streams to shut down to prevent burning fuel from running down the driveway into the street. Firefighters contained the burning fuel with absorbent (clay) material.

Two juvenile occupants escaped after hearing loud “bangs”. Two domestic pets including a cat did not survive the fire. No injuries were reported.

The Anoka County Fire Investigation Team was called to conduct an investigation.    

Related stories: