Wadena, MN – A tragic apartment fire in Wadena, Minnesota, on Sunday night, February 16, 2025, has left one person dead and 12 residents displaced. The Minnesota Department of Public Safety’s State Fire Marshal Division is now investigating the cause of the fire, with assistance from the Wadena County Sheriff’s Office.
Fire Details & Response
Location: 23 Bryant Avenue Southeast, Wadena, MN
Time of Call: 10:46 PM, Sunday, February 16, 2025
Response Teams:
- Wadena Fire Department
- Verndale Fire Department
- Staples Fire Department
- Bluffton Fire Department
- Deer Creek Fire Department
- Sebeka Fire Department
- Perham Fire Department
- Wadena Police Department
- Wadena Sheriff’s Office
- AERIA Health
- Wadena Iron & Metal
Casualties & Displacement
One person was found deceased inside the apartment. The victim’s identity will be released by the Midwest Medical Examiner’s Office once the next of kin has been notified.
12 other residents were displaced due to extensive damage. They have been temporarily housed at the AmericInn in Wadena.
Evacuations: Seven residents from a nearby apartment building at 115 Bryant Avenue were evacuated but are expected to return soon.
Extreme Weather Challenges
Subzero temperatures and strong wind chills made firefighting operations extremely difficult. The harsh conditions caused four fire trucks and two ladders to freeze up, prolonging efforts to contain the blaze.
Crews remained on the scene until Monday afternoon to fully extinguish the fire and investigate the cause.
Authorities urge anyone with information about the fire to contact the Wadena County Sheriff’s Office.
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I’m Chris Harper, reporting for TRF News