A fire broke out in early Tuesday morning in a downtown Brainerd building and Brainerd Fire Chief Kevin Stunek said he could not confirm if everyone made it out safely.
The Brainerd Fire Department was called around 3 a.m. to the fire at a building on 402 Front St. When firefighters arrived, the building was fully engulfed in flames, Stunek said.
The building, located a block north from the historic Crow Wing County Courthouse, hosts a law office on the main floor and two apartments on the second floor. Stunek said it appears the fire started on the second floor and the Minnesota State Fire Marshal Office is investigating. The cause of the fire is not known at this time.
Firefighters were still on scene at 8 a.m. fighting the fire and Stunek anticipated crews would be on scene for a few more hours.
Firefighters assisted attorneys Patti Aanes and Dennis Lothspeich with helping them move out their work files and cabinets. Aanes said she had files in the office that were 20 years old.
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Brainerd police blocked traffic on Laurel Street and by the railroad tracks off Washington Street to give firefighters room to fight the fire.
Traffic was backed up as people were on their way to work and school Tuesday morning.
More details on the fire will be posted on www.brainerddispatch.com when they become available.
JENNIFER STOCKINGER may be reached at jennifer.stockinger@brainerddispatch.com or 855-5851. Follow on Twitter at www.twitter.com/jennewsgirl .
