Four people went to the hospital for minor smoke inhalation and a dog "didn't make it" in a structure fire this past weekend in Baxter, Brainerd Fire Chief Tim Holmes said.
The Brainerd Fire Department responded to the fire at 3:44 a.m. Saturday on the 12000 block of Knollwood Drive in Baxter. The homeowner is Virginia Augustinack.
Upon arrival, firefighters could see flames and smoke from the house. Firefighters were informed by law enforcement that the fire was in the lower level of the home. Holmes said firefighters entered through the walkout of the home and found the fire in the computer room/office. Holmes said firefighters were able to extinguish the fire with minimal damage to the house. However, there was lots of smoke damage to the room and throughout the house. Holmes said the fire is not suspicious, but the State Fire Marshal's Office is investigating the fire.
The four people in the house were sleeping when they woke up to the sounds of the smoke detectors and saw smoke, Holmes said. They were all taken to Essentia Health-St. Joseph's Medical Center in Brainerd to be treated for minor smoke inhalation and then released.
The Nisswa Fire Department was called for mutual aid and there were about 22 firefighters responding. Firefighters worked on ventilating the house and doing overhaul before clearing the scene.
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The Baxter Police Department and North Memorial Ambulance assisted at the scene.
JENNIFER STOCKINGER may be reached at jennifer.stockinger@brainerddispatch.com or 218-855-5851. Follow me at www.twitter.com/jennewsgirl on Twitter.
