Fire damages apartment building - KXLT - Fox 47 Rochester MN News, Weather and Sports

ROCHESTER, Minn. (FOX 47) -- Five people, including four children, were rushed to the hospital for smoke inhalation after an apartment fire that displaced two families.

A mother and her four children were sleeping in the lower level apartment of an eight-plex when the fire broke out Monday evening.

Chip Dehn was inside his home when the fire broke out just a few steps away.

"I see flames coming out of that first window and then the fire department came and got everyone out," Dehn said.

Firefighters were called to Hunter Ridge Condominiums in the 2400 block of 8 1/2 Street Southeast just before 9 p.m. Monday.

It's unclear if the smoke alarms went off, but Rochester fire officials said the mother headed toward the source of the smoke when she woke up and found flames in her child's bedroom.

The fire extended through the lower level and into the upper level.

A couple and their six kids rented the apartment directly above and also contacted 911 after seeing smoke.

With the help of the Rochester Fire and Police Departments, the building was safely evacuated.

"We assure that everyone's outside of the structure and safe and then we start doing firefighting techniques," said Assistant Fire Marshal Larry Mueller. "Had they not been awoken and aware of the fire, the family in the lower level is in immediate danger as well as the people living in the apartment above."

Five people, including four children, were treated at Saint Marys Hospital for smoke inhalation.

Three dogs were also rescued in the fire.

The fire caused about $200,000 in damage.