Fergus Falls Woman Displaced After House Fire; Officials Urge Smoke Alarm Checks

A woman and several dogs were safely rescued from a home in Fergus Falls Thursday after a fire broke out in the attic while she was sleeping.
Crews responded around 1 p.m. to the 700 block of Riverside Court and arrived to see smoke from the attic and flames near the home’s eaves. Inside, firefighters found the woman asleep and unaware of the danger. She and the dogs were escorted out safely.
The Fergus Falls Fire Department says the fire was caused unintentionally by an exterior fireplace and chimney. The estimated damage is $20,000.
Fire officials are using the incident to remind homeowners across the region—check your smoke alarms. Make sure they’re working and replace any that aren’t.
This story is especially relevant to Detroit Lakes-area residents as springtime brings increased outdoor fireplace and chimney use. Now’s the time for a quick home safety check.