HomeMy WebLinkAboutEFD-2 new years fires
City of Edina • 4801 W. 50th St. • Edina, MN 55424
Contact: Jordan Gilgenbach, Communications Coordinator
Phone 952-826-0396 • jgilgenbach@EdinaMN.gov • www.EdinaMN.gov
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Edina Encounters Two Structure Fires In First Days Of New Year
Edina, Minn., Jan. 3, 2013 – The Edina Fire Department has had a busy first few days of the New Year,
facing two structure fires – one at an Edina residence and another at a business.
The Edina Fire Department was called to the 7200 block of Glouchester Lane at 9 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 1.
Fire crews reported a working fire upon arrival, which was quickly extinguished. The fire occurred in the
chimney of a wood-burning fireplace that was converted to a gas fireplace, catching creosote buildup on fire.
Fire extension caused minor damage to the structure and common attic space of the duplex. The structure
suffered little water and smoke damage. No injuries were reported, and the home was still habitable.
“Creosote buildup is a leading cause of heating fires,” said Edina Fire Marshal Jeff Siems. “It’s important to
periodically have your chimney cleaned of buildup, even when converting to a non-wood burning system.”
About 29 hours later, fire crews were called to Jerry’s Foods, 5125 Vernon Ave., around 2 a.m. Friday, Jan. 3.
An employee called 9-1-1 after arriving at work and finding heavy smoke in the basement.
Crews found embers and heat in the HVAC duct system. The area of the HVAC system suffered smoke and
water damage, and the grocery area suffered smoke damage. Crews from Hopkins, Minnetonka, Richfield and
St. Louis Park were on scene to assist. The grocer is working with City’s Health Division and the Minnesota
Agricultural Department to determine what needs to disposed of and when the store can re-open. It is likely
the smoke contamination to food will result in the greatest loss as a result of the fire.
“We are very lucky an employee caught this when they did,” said Interim Edina Fire Chief Darrell Todd. “The
HVAC system could have fanned the embers, growing the fire and causing it to spread quickly.”
The official cause of the fire is under investigation.
For more information, visit www.EdinaMn.gov/Fire or call 952-826-0330.
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