Parklawn Apartment Fire Originated in Kitchen Trash Can

A and injured three people early this month appears to have started in the kitchen of a first-floor apartment, according to Fire Marshal Tom Jenson.

Jenson said the fire originated in a trash can in the kitchen of the unit, rapidly spreading from there. The cause of the trash can fire is not definitive at this point, though Jenson said smoking can't be ruled out.

"After a fire of that size and intensity burns, it’s really hard to pinpoint exactly what caused the fire," Jenson said. "We do know it originated in the trash can."

The occupant of the unit had been home until 9:20 p.m. on Tuesday, July 10, but left at that point. The call for the fire came in around two hours later—11:22 p.m., to be exact—which Jenson said fits the scenario of a smoking-related fire.

The initial call included reports of heavy smoke on the first floor of , in the 4100 block of Parklawn Avenue. The blaze eventually escalated to a four-alarm fire before crews were able to put it out, following more than an hour of grueling work.

“The fire alarms worked throughout, which allowed for a safe evacuation,” said Edina Fire Chief Marty Scheerer. “But if this building had sprinklers, it is very possible the fire could have been contained to the one unit.”

The apartment complex was built in 1969, before either City or State codes required sprinkler systems in multi-unit buildings.

The fire caused significant damage to the two apartments above the originating unit and moderate damage to three additional apartments. Dozens of other units sustained smoke damage during the fire.

Three individuals were injured during the blaze, including two residents and one firefighter. One male resident received treatment from Hennepin County EMS workers for smoke inhalation, but was released on scene. An Eden Prairie firefighter was taken to with a knee injury, while an elderly woman was also taken to the hospital for exhaustion.

The fire was isolated to the west side of the building, with major smoke, water and fire damage in that portion of the structure.

Most of the impacted residents were able to return home by July 12, though a handful of families were permanently displaced by the fire.

Anyone interested in can donate gift cards through the  or by making monetary donations to the "Parklawn Resident Relief Fund" at any U.S. Bank location.

Edina's U.S. Bank branches are as follows:

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