Back-to-back house fires keep Superior firefighters moving

The Superior Fire Department responded to back-to-back house fires in Superior’s East End and Midtown neighborhoods Friday.

The first fire, reported around 4 p.m., occurred in the 2600 block of East 8th Street.

According to Battalion Chief Vern Johnson, a family was home at the time of the blaze, which started in the attic, but no one was injured. The fire damage was contained to the attic, but water did cause damage to the rest of the duplex. Damage estimates were unavailable Friday night.

Firefighters left the scene shortly before 7 p.m.

Johnson said after he left the scene, he went to fire hall No. 3 in East End briefly, and was driving back to headquarters when he saw the plume of smoke from a fire in the 2100 block of Ogden Avenue. The call to that fire came out immediately after he observed the plume.

Someone at home at the time heard “popping” and looked out and saw the smoke, and got out of the house, Johnson said.

Firefighters were caring for cats at the scene, and the animals were picked up by Superior Animal Hospital.

A window blew out of the second fire causing a nearby garage to catch fire as well, Johnson said.

Johnson said the damage to the single-family house on Ogden Avenue was substantial, but damage estimates were unavailable.

The cause of both fires remains under investigation.

Northland American Red Cross Disaster Action Team volunteers are assisting one family, including a 3-year-old child, who were burned out of their residence earlier today in Superior.

“The family pretty much lost everything, including the children’s clothes.” said Tony Guerra, Northland American Red Cross Program Director. “Any time a family suffers the effects of a fire, it is horribly devastating. The Northland American Red Cross has provided food, shelter and clothing for the family and is doing all we can to help the parents and their child get back on their feet.”

The Northland American Red Cross, which responds to about 100 local emergencies each year, is accepting donations now. Gifts to help those affected by this and other local emergencies can be sent to the Northland American Red Cross, 2524 Maple Grove Road, Duluth, MN 55811. More information about how to help is available at (218) 722-0071.

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