Structure fire in St. Paul nonintentionally started by child

Following an investigation into the fire that occurred on November 24, 2022, it has been concluded the fire was set by a child in the suite. “It appears that a child was using an incendiary device, resulting in combustible material catching fire, with the fire getting out of hand very quickly”.
There was no intention to start a fire, therefore the fire is deemed accidental.

If you have any questions regarding this, please contact St. Paul Fire Services at (780)645-4100.

Background

On Thursday November 24, 2022 at 10:48 AM, the St. Paul Fire Department was alerted to a structure fire at the Desjardins Apartments in St. Paul. Upon arrival, crews found heavy fire coming from two windows of a suite on the fourth floor. While firefighters were attacking the fire, additional firefighters rescued two people by ladder from an adjacent balcony on the fourth floor. Firefighters helped additional people exit the building to safety while the fire was being extinguished.

Numerous pets were also rescued and passed along to owners, or in some cases the St. Paul Veterinary Clinic retrieved these animals and held them until they could be reunited with their owners.

At 10:59 AM, the Community’s Emergency Management Plan was activated, and a Reception Center was established with busses being called in to transport displaced residents to the Recreation Center. Emergency Social Services staff, along with the Property’s Management Team helped find accommodations at area hotels for the displaced residents.