On July 9 at 4:51 p.m., South Metro Fire units were dispatched to a working garage fire in the 100 block of 16th Avenue south.
While en-route SMF Engine 2's crew observed heavy black smoke from 8 blocks away and requested a second alarm.
Chief 2 advised he had a large working detached garage fire, and that the roof had partially collapsed.
Upon size-up, SMF Chief 2 requested a third alarm bringing one engine from Inver Grove Heights. South Metro engine 2 parked on the address side and deployed multiple pre-connected lines.
SMF Engine 1 parked in the alley and deployed an additional line for exposure protection. SMF ladders 1 and 2 staged on the address side and assisted with water supply. Engine 33's crew were tasked with water supply and firefighting efforts.
Crews were hampered by a tremendous fire load inside the structure and live power lines down across the alley. Inside the garage, there were four vehicles, a large amount of automobile parts, supplies and maintenance equipment.
The fire was controlled within an hour. SMF crews utilized the cable from a tow truck to remove one section of wall to prevent impending collapse and to gain access to hidden pockets of fire not otherwise accessible.
There were no injuries. The cause of the fire is under investigation, but foul play is not suspected.
