EDINA, Minn. - Edina's fire chief says hundreds of residents were chased into the night after a hot-burning blaze destroyed three apartments and damaged nearby units.
Crews were called to the Parklawn Estates at 4141 Parklawn Avenue just before 11 p.m. and found flames leaping from both the building's interior and exterior. Fire Chief Marty Scheerer says it began in a first floor unit and quickly burned upwards, destroying units on the second and third floor as well.
"The fire alarms worked throughout which allowed for a safe evacuation," said Scheerer. "But if this building had sprinklers, it is very possible the fire could have been contained to the one
unit."
The apartment was built in 1969.
About a dozen other apartments in the vicinity suffered minor smoke and water damage.
One firefighter from Eden Prairie injured his knee fighting the blaze and was taken to Fairview Southdale Medical Center for treatment.
Eden Prairie was among about 10 area departments that responded for mutual aid.
Electricity and gas service was shut off for the entire complex, forcing residents to temporarily find shelter elsewhere. Both the Red Cross and the Salvation Army stepped in to assist with food and shelter.
The actual cause of the apartment fire has not been determined nor has there been any damage estimates released.
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