Rochester MN (KROC AM News) - Rochester firefighters endured 20 degrees below zero cold and 40 below wind chills as they battled a blaze that started in a tuck-under garage at a home in the 2100 block of 21st St NW early this morning.

Fire Department Deputy Chief Steve Belau says the fire was reported around 3 AM and the fire crews were able to confine the flames to the garage, but there was smoke damage throughout the house. All 10 people in the home were able to get out safely, but 5 of them were treated for smoke inhalation at the scene. One of the firefighters was injured and was transported to St. Mary’s Hospital, where he was treated and released.

Belau credits the home’s working smoke detectors for alerting the residents and allowing them to escape mainly unharmed. He also noted it was so cold the water from the fire hoses would turn into sheets of ice on the firefighter’s protective gear when they would step out of the fire area.

The cause of the fire has not been determined. A preliminary estimate put the damage at around $10,000. 

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