UPDATE: 10/12/20 1:15 p.m.
The Grand Forks Fire Department has concluded its investigation of the residential structure fire that occurred Wednesday evening, October 7th, located at 1908 23rd Ave S. The fire is being classified as accidental and was caused by improper disposal of smoking materials.
A smoldering cigarette ignited nearby combustible materials. The burning combustible materials ignited a wooden shelf. The fire traveled up the shelf to the ceiling. The fire was contained to the Southeast corner of the garage.
The Grand Forks Fire Department urges residents to follow these fire safety steps.
-Properly dispose of smoking materials in a non-combustible container.
-Ensure working smoke detectors are present and regularly replace the batteries.
-Implement an emergency plan for your home and practice it regularly.
ORIGINAL RELEASE
At approximately 7:43 pm on Wednesday, October 7, the Grand Forks Fire Department was dispatched to 1908 23rd Ave. S. for a report of a structure fire with smoke and fire seen coming from the garage.
Fire crews arrived on the scene to find smoke showing from the roof area of the structure. The structure involved was a side-by-side duplex addressed as 1906 and 1908 23rd Ave. S. Crews entered the structure, located and extinguished the fire in the garage area of 1908. Fire damage was contained to the one garage but both units sustained some smoke damage with total damages estimated to be over $10,000. The occupants of both units were displaced for the night.
The Grand Forks Fire Department responded with five engines, one truck, and one command vehicle with eighteen personnel. There were no injuries to the occupants or fire service personnel. The Fire Department will remain on scene through the night and the cause of the fire is under investigation. The Fire Department was assisted by the Grand Forks Police Department and Altru Ambulance.
