A fire of suspicious origin broke out in Covington Court Apartments, a five-building complex that has been a periodic source of concern in West St. Paul.
Dozens of residents in a 38-unit building were displaced because of the fire at 366 E. Marie Ave. The cause of the fire, which broke out about 2 a.m. Monday, remains under investigation.
As of Monday afternoon, residents were still not able to return to their homes because the fire knocked out utilities. No injuries were reported. Property damage was estimated at $50,000.
Barry Gish, president of Goldmark Property Management in Fargo, N.D., which manages the building, said the fire appears to have started in the hallway. "If so, we can conclude it's at least suspicious," Gish said.
Fire Chief John Ehret said the cause could be known later this week. Acting Police Chief Manila "Bud" Shaver said the department is assisting.
"We haven't experienced a recent increase in calls down there," Shaver said. "It is an area of concern. We do have a large amount of calls down there."
Gish, however, said Goldmark has made improvements in the complex, which has many low-income and Spanish-speaking residents.
"We've made great advancements there," Gish said. "We put in security systems. We have very little turnover at that property. While we have people of modest means there, we have an incredible community. Now we have a couple of people on staff who are bilingual, who are treating this as home. This caught us all by surprise."
Ehret said the fire was brought under control within 20 minutes by 16 firefighters.
Earlier this year, a 13-year-old resident was charged with firing gunshots at another juvenile in the complex, which is on the southeast corner of Oakdale and Marie avenues.
