Ramsey County, MN (trfnews.i234.me) — On Saturday morning, May 31, a significant fire erupted in a mixed-use apartment building located on the 500 block of Rice Street in Saint Paul. First responders were dispatched at 9:37 a.m. following reports of a structure fire.
Upon arrival, police officers observed active flames emanating from the second floor of the three-story building, which houses commercial space on the ground level. Demonstrating swift action, officers entered the building and evacuated approximately seven individuals from the first floor.
Subsequently, Saint Paul Fire Department crews arrived and received reports of residents trapped on the upper floors. Firefighters conducted a thorough search and successfully rescued an additional six to seven people from the third floor. The fire was contained to a single unit on the second floor and was extinguished before it could spread further.
Two police officers and one resident were transported to the hospital for treatment of minor smoke inhalation injuries.
Due to the extent of the damage, the building has been condemned, resulting in the displacement of 14 adults. The American Red Cross and building management are collaborating to provide assistance to those affected. Animal control also responded to care for multiple displaced cats.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation.
Did you know?
-
Date & Time: May 31, 2025, at 9:37 a.m.
-
Location: 500 block of Rice Street, Saint Paul, MN
-
Building Details: Three-story mixed-use structure with commercial space on the ground floor
-
Evacuations: Approximately 13-14 individuals rescued from first and third floors
-
Injuries: Two police officers and one resident hospitalized for smoke inhalation
-
Displacements: 14 adults displaced; building condemned
-
Assistance Provided By: American Red Cross, building management, and animal control
-
Investigation Status: Cause of fire under investigation
I’m Chris Harper reporting for TRF News.