Fire Breaks Out at Downtown Rochester Apartment, Cause Under Investigation

Rochester, MN (KROC-AM News)- The Rochester Fire Department responded to an apartment fire in downtown Rochester Sunday afternoon. 

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A news release issued by the department says crews were dispatched to the blaze shortly before 2 p.m. 

Responding firefighters encountered smoke and fire coming from the rear of the structure when they arrived at the scene. 

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Fire Crews Respond to Blaze Along 3rd Ave. SE in Downtown Rochester

The fire broke out at 417 3rd Ave. SE. 

The news release says responding firefighters fought the fire from behind the building and entered the structure and confirmed no one was inside of the burning. 

No injuries were reported. The fire inflicted isolated exterior damage, the news release says. 

Rochester Fire Department Shares Safe Grilling Tips

A cause of the fire has not been determined, however the fire department used the situation to remind the community about the safe grilling. 

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Tips shared by the fire department include keeping grills at least 10 feet away from structures, decks and overhangs, never leaving a grill unattended and to frequently clean grills to prevent grease buildup. 

The Rochester Fire Marshal’s division is investigating the fire.