Press releases

Burning cigarette likely cause of fire in Edina condo

Edina, Minn., Feb. 14, 2008 – A burning cigarette appears to have been the cause of an early morning fire earlier this month.

The Edina Fire Department, along with the Richfield and St. Louis Park fire departments, responded to a call Friday, Feb. 8, at 5:15 a.m. regarding smoke enveloping a condominium complex in the 7300 block of York Avenue South. The fire appears to have been caused by the improper disposal of a lit cigarette.

Fire crews gained entry to the burning unit through its exterior patio window and put out a small fire with a few gallons of water. Other residents of the complex were allowed to return to their units after the fire was extinguished.

According to Edina Fire Marshal Thomas Jenson, “smoking is the No. 1 cause of home fire deaths in the United States, claiming nearly 1000 victims each year. Smoking-related fires continue to be a problem in the City of Edina as well, and it’s troubling because they are preventable.”

The unit’s smoke alarm, as well as insistent pounding on the door by neighbors, alerted the sole occupant of the unit where the fire occurred. The occupant was transported to Hennepin County Medical Center and treated for smoke inhalation. Smoke and fire damage throughout the unit have made it uninhabitable until repairs can be made.

“Luckily, this resident had a working smoke alarm,” said Jenson. “These alarms save lives. To try to remain safe in the event of a fire, people should test their smoke alarms monthly, replace the batteries at least once a year and practice a fire escape plan.”

According to Chief Building Official Steve Kirchman, “there was no structural damage, but all of the sheetrock in the unit will need to be replaced and a building permit will be required for restoration.”

For more information, contact Fire Marshal Tom Jenson, 952-826-0337, or visit www.CityofEdina.com/fire. For more information on smoking and home fires, visit The United States Fire Administration website at www.usfa.dhs.gov/smoking.