BURNSVILLE, Minn. — A man is in custody for his alleged connection to an apartment fire in Burnsville displacing residents from about 50 units, officials say. According to a release from the City of Burnsville, firefighters were dispatched to a five-story apartment complex on the 1500 block of Burnsville Parkway just before 8:50 a.m. Saturday.
Ivonne Gil lives in the apartment and got a call from her mom as the building was on fire. She said she was worried too many people would be staying at the emergency Red Cross shelter, so she slept in her car Saturday night.
“We used to live in Minneapolis. My mom stayed over there with a family member, so we just stayed in the car last night. It was okay. we didn't have another choice,” Gil said.
Officials say the complex doesn't have a sprinkler system, but the fire alarms did activate. According to the release, one person was transported to a hospital with "minor ailments," while two others, including one firefighter, received medical attention at the scene. Burnsville Fire Chief BJ Jungmann said he’s thankful no one was seriously hurt and there are lessons to be learned from the fire.
“Get out and, every night, when you're in your apartment, make sure that door is closed and, every spring and fall, check that smoke alarm. Press that button, make sure it works,” said Jungmann.
Officials say the investigation revealed that the fire was likely started intentionally, and one man was taken into custody.
According to the American Red Cross, a shelter has been opened at Glendale United Methodist Church for the displaced residents. Red Cross staff said about 20 people stayed at the shelter Saturday night.
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