For Immediate Release
Contact: Mike Warner
Fire Chief
Red Wing Fire Department
651.388.7141
(August 24, Red Wing, Minn.) – On August 24, 2023, at 12:14 a.m., the Red Wing Fire Department received a call reporting a structure fire in the 1000 Block of Putnam Avenue in Red Wing.
Firefighters/paramedics were on the scene within 3 minutes and 37 seconds of receiving the call. Firefighters found fire through the roof upon arrival. Firefighters made entry into the residence and started to extinguish the fire. One firefighter fell through the floor and was able to remove himself with the assistance of the other firefighters. The firefighter was not injured and remained on scene. All firefighters exited the building and started a defensive operation.
The residence sustained major fire damage throughout the structure. There was no one home at the time of the fire. The residence was left uninhabitable. Firefighters encountered significant difficulties extinguishing the fire due to the extremely high heat and humidity. The cause of the fire is under investigation.
Apparatus used on the scene included three fire engines, one ladder truck, one ambulance, and two chief officers. Red Wing Police Department, Red Wing Public Works, and Goodhue County Sheriff’s Office Dispatchers assisted the Red Wing Fire Department on the scene. Ellsworth Fire, Goodhue Fire, Miesville Fire, Zumbrota Fire, and Hastings Ambulance assisted on the scene. Zumbrota Ambulance and Zumbrota Fire provided station coverage during the incident.
While this incident was ongoing, the Red Wing Fire Department received two additional emergency medical calls that were handled by the neighboring communities.
Red Wing Fire Department is committed to helping anyone in need, providing exceptional fire suppression, advanced medical care, technical rescue, disaster management, fire prevention, and public education. We are focused on operational readiness, department unity, professionalism, and community engagement.