FARGO – As a father and son worked on snowmobiles in the garage of their townhouse Sunday afternoon, a fire sparked nearby and quickly grew out of control, spitting flames and sending black smoke into the sky.
At 12:48 p.m. Sunday, the fire was reported at 3139 23rd Ave. S. at the first-level garage of the eight-unit townhouse complex, according to a Fargo Fire Department news release.
Fire Marshal Ryan Erickson said crews had the blaze contained within 10 minutes. One of the home’s residents was exposed to smoke but didn’t need medical attention, the release said.
Damage to the home is estimated at around $60,000. The garage was destroyed, the release said, and the the living area of the home had moderate smoke damage. Other attached townhouses had light smoke damage.
A photograph supplied by a neighbor showed the garage door open, with visible flames coming out. Black smoke could be seen in the sky a short time later from at least a half-mile away.
ADVERTISEMENT
An occupant of the home, who didn’t want to be identified, said he and his father were working on snowmobiles inside the garage when the fire started. He said two pets, a cat and lizard, were moved to a neighbor’s house.
After extinguishing the flames, firefighters tore siding from the home and moved a charred snowmobile trailer outside.
The exact cause of the fire isn’t yet known, the release said, and investigation is continuing.
The Red Cross is helping those affected by the fire with housing until they can be moved back in.
20 Fargo firefighters, including five engines, responded to the fire, as well as FM Ambulance, Fargo police and the Salvation Army.
