Minneapolis Third-Alarm - May 27, 2018

[firesafe91]

A three-alarm fire in Minneapolis gutted a three-story building. Several small businesses, offices and artists' studios were located in the building at the time of the fire. Engine 8, Engine 7, Ladder 3 and Chief 3 were dispatched on an initial response to a report of an alarm activation at 10:37pm. While enroute dispatch radioed Chief 3 that police were on scene confirming a fire. The response was upgraded to the first alarm response to include Engines 5 and 17, Ladder 11, Rescue 9, Salvage, Mobile Command, Chief 2 and the Deputy.  Engine 8 deployed a tank line upon arrival and was supplied by Engine 17. Crews reported a possible basement fire with high heat on the first floor. Chief 3 reported that heavy smoke was showing from the building and requested a 2-2 alarm. Companies briefly exited the building when the water supply was lost. Crews attempted to force entry through the rear of the building after the water supply was re-established; however, the ISO requested the building be evacuated due to tremendous heat inside the structure. Command requested the 3-3 alarm at this time and crews transitioned to a defensive posture. Handlines were replaced by Blitzfire monitors and aerial ladders were raised in preparation for a heavy stream attack. At the height of the fire, three ladder pipes, one deck gun and four Blitzfire monitors were flowing several thousand gallons-per-minute of water onto the fire. Companies responding included: Engines 8, 7, 17, 5, 6, 21, 1 and 22; Ladders 3, 11 and 2; Rescue 9; Salvage; Mobile Command, Chiefs 3-2-1; and the Deputy Chief. Hennepin EMS stood by at the scene.

The first image was taken shortly after transmission of the third-alarm.