UPDATED: Fire at Salvation Army: Possible Arson Investigation
Updated: 5:25 PM on March 7, 2024.
BURNSVILLE, MINNESOTA - At 12:45 PM on Thursday, March 7, 2024, a fire was reported at the Salvation Army at 14101 Irving Avenue in Burnsville, Minnesota. Responding units included Burnsville Fire, with mutual aid from Eagan Fire and the Burnsville Police Department. Officials with the City of Burnsville confirmed that the fire was extinguished before fire crews arrived. One person was evaluated on the scene for injuries but was not transported. Since the fire was out, mutual aid from Eagan Fire was canceled.
While speaking with witnesses at the scene, we learned that it was allegedly reported that someone might have started the fire intentionally. The witnesses we spoke with said they were in the changing room when the fire started and were told to evacuate the store immediately due to a fire. One of the witnesses showed us a photo they had captured of where the fire occurred, and in the photo, you could see a small pile of items in the middle of the aisle with a lighter next to the charred items. According to the witnesses, after starting the fire, it was alleged the possible suspect ran out of the store. We do not know at this time if a suspect was caught.
Officials with the City of Burnsville say that the cause of the fire is still under investigation. As more information is made available, we will provide additional updates.