Flames and heavy smoke were billowing out of a picture window Monday in a Maple Grove Township home, which was lost to fire, along with a cat and a dog, said Brainerd Fire Chief Kevin Stunek.
Brainerd firefighters were called to a structure fire at 3:36 p.m. on the 7300 block of Dressage Road, located about 15 miles southeast of Brainerd in Crow Wing County. The homeowner, Clarice Bernatsky, was not home at the time of the fire. Stunek said Bernatsky left the single family dwelling home, about 24- by 40-feet in size, about 30 minutes prior to the fire and "everything was fine."
Stunek said when firefighters arrived at the home they saw flames and heavy smoke. He said they decided to fight the fire defensively, meaning from the outside.
"They couldn't do an interior attack because of the intensity of the fire," Stunek said. "They started by ventilating the home (with fans) and then attacking it."
Stunek said the cause of the fire is under investigation but it appears the fire may have started from a propane heater, which was in the living area of the home by the picture window. Stunek said they do not believe the fire to be suspicious.
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The estimated value of the lost home is $75,000.
There were 15 firefighters on scene, along with two engines and one tanker. Brainerd called Garrison Fire Department for mutual aid. Garrison brought two tankers and five firefighters.
Firefighters cleared the scene just after 7 p.m.
"The guys did a good job," Stunek said. "It was a tough fire to get to. The fire got into the walls and the attic, but they got the job done."
The American Red Cross was not called as the homeowner had family to stay with.
JENNIFER STOCKINGER may be reached at jennifer.stockinger@brainerddispatch.com or 855-5851. Follow on Twitter at www.twitter.com/jennewsgirl .
