ST. LOUIS PARK, Minn., March 28 (Reuters) – A massive fire engulfed the Helix Apartments complex early Thursday, injuring three people and displacing an unknown number of residents. The blaze, which tore through the building, prompted a multi-agency response and left a community in shock.
The fire was reported shortly after 2 a.m. at the Helix Apartments, located in the 5700 block of Oxford Street. Firefighters from St. Louis Park and neighboring departments arrived to find flames spreading rapidly through the structure, a four-story building. The department confirmed that three individuals sustained injuries. Two were treated at the scene for smoke inhalation. One was transported to Hennepin County Medical Center in serious condition, according to initial reports from KSTP.
Evacuations proceeded in chaos. Residents fled in pajamas, some without shoes. The fire’s intensity forced crews to battle from the exterior, hindering interior searches. St. Louis Park Fire Chief Steve Koering described the scene as a “major incident,” noting that the building’s wood-frame construction contributed to the rapid spread. The cause remains under investigation by the fire marshal.
Among the displaced, survival stories emerged. A resident, who asked to be identified only as Maria, told KSTP she woke to alarms and smoke. “I grabbed my cat and ran. Everything else is gone,” she said. Another tenant, James Carter, lost his apartment of five years. “I have nothing but the clothes on my back,” he stated. Pets were rescued. Some were not. The emotional toll was immediate.
The American Red Cross set up a reception center at the St. Louis Park Recreation Center. Volunteers provided food, water, and temporary lodging vouchers. Local organizations launched fundraisers within hours. A GoFundMe page for affected residents had raised over $15,000 by noon. The city is coordinating with property management, HA Viewpoint, the complex’s owner, to assess damage.
The fire’s origin is unknown. Officials are investigating potential electrical faults and human error. No arrests have been made. The building’s sprinkler system status is unclear. Fire code compliance will be a focus of the probe. The Department of Public Safety has been notified.
Residents face a long recovery. Insurance claims will take months. Temporary housing is scarce in the St. Louis Park market, where vacancy rates hover around 3%. Mental health support is being offered by the city. The Helix building itself is likely a total loss. Demolition or extensive renovation is expected.
💡 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Q: What caused the Helix Apartments fire in St. Louis Park?
- A: The cause of the fire remains under investigation by the fire marshal. Fire officials noted the building’s wood-frame construction contributed to the rapid spread of the blaze.
- Q: How many people were injured in the Helix Apartments fire?
- A: Three people were injured. Two were treated at the scene for smoke inhalation, and one was transported to Hennepin County Medical Center in serious condition.
Extended Reading
For further information, refer to the original reports from CBS Minnesota, KSTP, and FOX 9 Minneapolis-St. Paul, which provided the core facts for this article.