Overview
- A large blaze broke out Friday at the Helix Apartments in St. Louis Park and heavily damaged the west side, with city officials saying roughly 90 units were destroyed and much of the complex sealed off for safety.
- Fire crews continue to monitor the site for rekindling and investigators have not determined a cause, though officials say the fire may have started on a third-floor balcony, an origin that remains unconfirmed.
- One resident was treated at a hospital for non-life-threatening injuries and two firefighters received care for heat-related issues while crews worked the scene.
- The American Red Cross opened a temporary shelter at St. Louis Park Middle School and local groups including STEP and volunteer aid stations are coordinating relief, now prioritizing gift cards and financial donations and urging donors to verify fundraisers.
- Many tenants report losing personal documents and possessions, some were allowed only brief supervised entry to retrieve essentials, and officials advise renters with insurance to contact carriers promptly as damage assessments and the investigation continue.