Two residential structure fires were reported to the East Grand Forks Fire Department within three minutes of each other on Monday morning. The first fire was reported at 805 1st Ave NE at 7:22am, and the second one was reported at 7:25am at 923 Rhinehart Dr SE. No injuries were reported.
Firefighters responded to the scene within minutes of receiving the call, upon arrival at both locations heavy smoke was seen coming from the roof of both homes. Both fires were brought under control within an hour. Due to shortage of personnel the Grand Forks Fire Department was requested for assistance, they responded with two crews to each incident location.
The fire caused major damage to both homes, which are now unlivable, displacing two families; they are staying with relatives. The cause of both fires was determined to be lightning strikes to the homes.
East Grand Forks Fire Department responded with three engines and an aerial along with 24 personnel. We were assisted on scene by the Grand Forks Fire Department, Altru Ambulance, East Grand Forks Police Department, and East Grand Forks Water and Light.
