Wind Fans Flames at Minn. Recycling Plant

Feb. 19--A recycling company building in north Minneapolis caught fire early Tuesday, forcing residents of a nearby apartment building to head outside into the frigid and windy weather conditions.

The blaze started shortly after 1 a.m. at Northern Metal, a large industrial structure at 1803 2nd Street N., said Minneapolis Fire Marshal Perry Ebner. The building was empty at the time.

Firefighters initially fought the flames inside the building but had to head back outside as the fire grew rapidly, Ebner said.

By 7 a.m., the fire and smoke had subsided, and apartment residents were being allowed back into their homes.

There is no initial word on how the fire started.

Paul Walsh --612-673-4482

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