Fire damages Eden Prairie duplex; no injuries reported

A fire caused significant damage to a duplex in Eden Prairie on Sunday morning, though no one was injured, according to Fire Chief Scott Gerber.

The fire was reported to Eden Prairie police and fire departments at 8:28 a.m. in the 7300 block of Bagpipe Boulevard, located in a residential area behind Home Depot. While en route, Eden Prairie fire crews confirmed the blaze and called for a first alarm, bringing in additional support from Hennepin EMS and fire departments in Minnetonka, Hopkins, Bloomington, and Excelsior. CenterPoint Energy and Xcel Energy were also contacted to manage utilities at the scene.

According to Gerber, the fire began in one duplex unit and spread to the adjacent unit.

“There was heavy fire in the main occupancy, resulting in significant fire damage,” Gerber said. “The adjoining occupancy in the duplex sustained smoke and fire damage, but again, no injuries were reported – neither to the occupants nor to the firefighters.”

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Gerber said the cause of the fire remains under investigation.

“At this point, we don’t have a cause,” Gerber said. “Our fire investigator is still working on it, and we’re coordinating with the family members to ensure they have a safe place to stay.”

The fire broke out on the first day of Fire Prevention Week, and Gerber used the occasion to stress key fire safety practices to residents.

“We don’t know the cause yet, but we always emphasize fire safety in the home – things like having a good escape plan, checking your smoke detectors, and replacing the batteries when needed,” Gerber said. “A great time to do that is during daylight saving time. And, of course, practicing those escape plans with your family, knowing the route inside the home, and having a meeting place outside where everyone can gather safely.”