Lake of the Woods County, Minnesota (trfnews.i234.me) — Three separate house fires over the holidays left one person dead. Two other families also lost homes.
Officials have not released a single cause for the fires. Each fire happened on a different date and at a different address.
Baudette Fire Claims Life
A house fire in Baudette turned deadly on December 19. The fire was reported at a home on 32nd Avenue Southeast.
Records say 91-year-old Nelda Fay Anderson died in the fire. Firefighters responded, but the damage was severe.
Any investigation details have not been made public. The loss has shaken the community.
Williams Home Destroyed, Family Escapes
Just days later, another fire was reported in Williams. The call came in early Tuesday morning, December 23.
Teresa McDall said a smoke detector alarm woke her around 5:30 a.m. She said she and her daughter, Cheyenne McDall, got outside fast.
They left with only the clothes they were wearing. McDall said their three dogs also made it out.
Five cats stayed inside and did not survive. McDall said the house was a total loss.
Second Baudette Fire Leaves Family Seeking Help
On Saturday afternoon, December 27, the Baudette Fire Department responded again. The call was for a home at 515 Main Avenue South in Baudette.
Records list Priscilla Larson as the homeowner. Larson declined to be interviewed for this story.
Social media posts say four of Larson’s grandchildren live with her. The home was destroyed.
Donations for the Larson family are being accepted at the Baudette Public Library or the Baudette Municipal Liquor Store.
Fire Safety Reminders
Fire officials often urge people to check smoke alarms. They also stress having an escape plan.
For Minnesota fire safety resources, visit the Minnesota State Fire Marshal Division.
More guidance is also available from the American Red Cross, the Ready.gov home fire page, and NFPA smoke alarm tips.
Local information and services can also be found on the Lake of the Woods County website.
I’m Chris Harper reporting for TRF News.