One Injured After Fiery Explosions Inside Home

Police Chief: Fire Exploded Oxygen Tanks

A 48-year-old woman was hospitalized Tuesday after multiple fiery explosions inside a home in Duluth Township.

Police Chief Shawn Padden said the woman somehow started on fire in the bedroom of the home at 1694 W. Knife River Road.

The woman’s sister, who owns the home, helped put the fire out on her “lower extremities” and then evacuated the house before oxygen tanks started exploding, according to Padden.

There were 20 to 25 oxygen tanks in the home because the fire victim needed them for medical reasons, Padden said.

“Four to five cats” were killed in the fire, according to Padden.

“She was very fortunate that someone else was there at the house with her that could escort her out. Ya know, unfortunately they lost some pets in the incident, but thankfully no one was killed,” Padden said.

The unidentified fire victim was taken to Essential Health St. Mary’s Medical Center for treatment.

Her condition was not known as of late Tuesday.

The cause is under investigation.