Update: Sprinkler Pipe Break in Duluth Apartment Building Displaces Over 20 People

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Fire Department says over 20 people have been displaced after a sprinkler pipe broke in an apartment building in the Observation Hill neighborhood Tuesday.

Crews responded to the building around noon after a resident reported that her ceiling collapsed due to flooding.

Crews investigating the cause of the flooding found additional units with ceiling damage and one that had partially collapsed.

In total 13 units were damaged and all tenants have been temporarily displaced.

The fire department remained on scene to prevent further water damage and to remove standing water from units.

“This was a fairly good-sized apartment building, so you need to get a lot of people on squeegees and we have to find a place for water to go, have people control the water and turn off the electric to the areas. It can be pretty labor intensive,” said Andy Golz, a captain for the Duluth Fire Department.

Damage is estimated at $350,000.

The apartment’s management company is assisting tenants until the damage can be repaired, according to officials.