Duluth News Tribune, Minn.
(TNS)
Apr. 8—INTERNATIONAL FALLS — The historic bandshell in International Falls was destroyed Sunday afternoon in a fire that officials are calling suspicious.
The fire was reported just after 1 p.m. and the International Falls Fire Department responded with 24 firefighters and four trucks to Smokey Bear Park in the city's downtown area.
The first crew arrived to heavy smoke coming out of the building. The building was wood framed throughout with stucco covering the outside walls and flat rubber roofs. It quickly became engulfed and proved difficult to extinguish, leading to heavy damage.
The investigation has determined that the fire was "incendiary in nature," and officials are working to determine details. Fire Chief Adam Mannausau said department officials will continue to work with the International Falls Police Department and the Minnesota State Fire Marshal.
City officials ask that people keep their distance from the damaged structure for their safety.
___
(c)2024 the Duluth News Tribune (Duluth, Minn.)
Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
