Massive Minneapolis fire threatens oldest Dakota language archive in Minnesota
Minneapolis fire threatens Native American records
A massive three-alarm fire impacted two connected buildings on East Franklin Avenue in Minneapolis, injuring two firefighters. FOX 9 is told a neighboring building held Native American records that cannot be replaced, including what the executive director of Wicoie Nandagikaden described as the oldest Dakota language archive in Minnesota.
MINNEAPOLIS (FOX 9) - Minneapolis fire crews are battling a massive three-alarm fire at a building on East Franklin Avenue on Sunday.
Massive fire in Minneapolis
What we know:
Minneapolis fire crews responded around 4:03 p.m. to a fire at a commercial building at 1300 E. Franklin Ave., near the corner of East Franklin Avenue and 13th Avenue South.
The building appears to be a former dollar store and officials said the structure still had heavy shelving and large amounts of store products inside – which made it difficult to reach the fire.
Minneapolis fire leaves 2 firefighters hurt
Two Minneapolis firefighters were hospitalized with minor burns and heat exhaustion while battling a three-alarm fire at a commercial building Sunday. Assistant Fire Chief Melanie Rucker said crews encountered heavy fire and a large volume of items inside before evacuating the building as conditions worsened and portions of the roof began collapsing.
What they're saying:
Fire crews entered the building after getting initial reports of "possibly unhoused" people fleeing the structure who may have set the fire. As the fire intensified, crews were forced to evacuate the building.
As fire crews tried to get out of the building, officials say some of the shelving fell, blocking two firefighters' exit and requiring a "may day" call.
Both firefighters were able to get out, but officials say they both suffered injuries. They were taken to a hospital for further evaluation and have since been released.
Local perspective:
The fire impacted two connecting buildings on the block. FOX 9 is told the neighboring building held Native American records that cannot be replaced.
"The oldest Dakota language archive in the state of Minnesota is in there," said Fawn Youngbear-Tibbets, the executive director of Wicoie Nandagikaden. "We've been working really hard to digitize it but not everything has been digitized yet."
Three-alarm fire called
Big picture view:
A second and third alarm were called to bring additional firefighters and equipment to the scene. Assistant Fire Chief Melanie Rucker said about 50 to 60 firefighters were at the scene late Sunday afternoon.
After the mayday call, firefighters battled the fire from the outside, using ladders to try to knock down the flames. Rucker told media members the roof had started to collapse during the afternoon hours.
What they're saying:
"The safety of our firefighters and our community is always our top priority," Rucker said. "Our crews responded quickly, acted courageously, and handled extremely dangerous conditions with professionalism."
Rucker said crews would be on scene through the evening on Sunday to deal with the fire.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation.
The Source: Information from the Minneapolis Fire Department.