Fire at Vacant Minneapolis Kmart Causes Extensive Damage

Oct. 22, 2023
A two-alarm fire in a vacant, former Kmart store kept Minneapolis firefighters on scene for hours battling the blaze.

Minneapolis firefighters spent hours Friday battling a fire in a vacant former Kmart store.

The two-alarm fire was reported around 5 a.m. on Lake Street in a building that has been vacant for many years.

Firefighters used three aerial ladders to contain the fire and did not enter the building due to the volume of fire, Minneapolis fire officials told KARE11

The store closed in 2020 and the building, purchased by the city, was used as a temporary post office. City officials said the building was slated to be demolished next year.

A section of the rear of the building collapsed during the early stages of the fire. 

Officials believe gas service was still on in the building when the fire was discovered but do not know the cause of the fire.

No injuries were reported in the fire.

About the Author

Firehouse.com News

Content curated and written by Firehouse editorial staff, including Susan Nicol, Steven Shaw, Peter Matthews, Ryan Baker and Rich Dzierwa.