Faribault Fire Chief Dustin Dienst reported today firefighters were dispatched approximately 11:45 p.m. Tuesday, April 7, 2020 to a rural Faribault fire.  The Rice County Sheriff's Office, Minnesota State Patrol and North Memorial Ambulance were all called to 18476 Eiler Avenue also.

Dienst states, "Heavy black smoke was coming out of the overhead door upon responders' arrival.  It was confirmed that no one was inside the building at the time of the fire."

"Crews attacked the fire from the exterior of the structure initially, and then entered the structure to extinguish the fire.  Very little fire was found inside the structure.  Ventilating the heat and smoke proved to be difficult as there are only two doors, one overhead door and one man door and they are both on the same side of the building.  The building and it's contents suffered extensive heat and smoke damage.  Crews cleared the scene at 3:03 a.m."

Dienst says the Sheriff's Office and State Fire Marshal's Office are assisting his Department in investigation the cause of the fire, "The results of the investigation are not available at this time."

I checked with the Faribault Fire Chief before this posting and he said it will probably be awhile before an official cause is determined.  He said the inside of the shop was charred extensively and the spray foam insulation presented some "challenges to the  firefighting."

Fire Chief Dienst comments in the news release, "I am thankful that neither the homeowner or any first responders were injured at this large fire."

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