Owatonna Fire Responds to Structure Fire

OWATONNA, Minn., Nov. 18, 2025 – On Monday, November 17, Owatonna Fire Department responded to a structure fire in the 1100 block of School Street East, Owatonna. At approximately 4:58 PM, the Owatonna Fire Department was dispatched for a report of a possible structure fire.

Within three minutes of the notification from the dispatch center, firefighters arrived on scene. Heavy black smoke was visible coming from eves on all sides of the structure. Firefighters performed an interior attack to suppress the fire and search for potential victims. Locating no victims, firefighters quickly extinguished flames within the six-unit residence. Fire crews remained on scene for two hours and fifteen minutes to ventilate and to ensure there was no further fire extension to other areas of the structure.

“There were working smoke alarms present and all tenants were able to safely evacuate prior to our arrival on scene,” said Ed Hoffman, Owatonna Fire Chief. “This is a great reminder to make sure the smoke alarms in your home are working. We encourage all Owatonna residents to test your alarms monthly, change replaceable batteries twice a year, and replace smoke alarms every 10 years.”

The building sustained significant damage in a common area and two of the six units. All tenants were displaced last night because of this fire, and the Red Cross is providing assistance to them. No injuries to residents or firefighters were reported. The cause is under investigation by the Owatonna Fire Marshal and Minnesota State Fire Marshal’s Office.

Owatonna Fire Department would like to thank the following agencies that assisted during this incident: Mayo Ambulance, Owatonna Police Department, Owatonna Public Utilities, the Minnesota State Fire Marshal’s Office and Red Cross.

For additional information about the Owatonna Fire Department, visit owatonna.gov/fire or follow the Owatonna Fire Department on Facebook.

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