Hermantown, St Louis County (trfnews.i234.me) — A reported explosion sparked a fire at Green Acres Townhomes Saturday night.
What we know
The complex sits just northwest of Duluth, Minnesota.
City officials said the incident was near Lavaque Road.
They said it was south of Highway 53.
They also said it was north of Silver Leaf Street.
The Hermantown Fire Department responded to the call.
Authorities closed Lavaque Road near Green Acres Road.
They asked drivers to avoid the area.
Officials also urged nearby residents to stay back.
Smoke and flames were visible at the scene.
Shelter and road closures
WDIO reported the blast happened near Jennifer Circle.
WDIO crews on scene confirmed the explosion led to a house fire.
The St Louis County Sheriff’s Office sent a public safety alert.
The alert said Hermantown City Hall was open for shelter and reunification.
Officials have not released a cause.
The city said it could not yet confirm injuries.
Residents can use the American Red Cross shelter locator.
Drivers can check Minnesota 511 for road closure updates.
More updates may also appear on the City of Hermantown website.
Visit the City of Hermantown website.
Scanner traffic from the response
Scanner traffic captured tense calls during the response.
One unit said crews were accounting for everybody.
Another responder asked to page Duluth Fire.
The same unit also asked about the Air Guard.
A separate unit said it was heading to the explosion.
Another message said Engine 3 was en route.
Crews discussed shutting down access at Green Acres.
They cited heavy traffic and many people outside.
What happens next
Northern News Now reported that damage reached other structures.
A city spokesperson said 10 fire departments and other agencies responded.
Crews worked to secure the scene.
They also worked to find temporary housing for residents.
Officials urged people to follow alerts from St Louis County.
Investigators have not said what caused the blast.
Officials have not said how many homes were affected.
This story will be updated as more information is released.
I’m Chris Harper reporting for TRF News.