Cause of fire undetermined

Published 10:32 am Friday, March 11, 2016

The cause of last Friday’s house fire on Bridge Avenue has been listed as undetermined.

Albert Lea Deputy Fire Chief Jeffery Laskowske said there are multiple things that could have caused the fire, but due to the damage from the fire a single cause has not been able to be found.

The Albert Lea Fire Department and State Fire Marshal’s Office have investigated.

Email newsletter signup

According to the Fire Department, damage is estimated at $26,000. The home is valued at $74,000.

The Albert Lea Fire Department was dispatched to the fire, at 803 Bridge Ave., shortly after 10:30 a.m. last Friday.

The occupant of the home, Jacqueline Baker, was assisted in getting out of the home by Elaina Steele and Angie Nelson.

The two were treated for smoke inhalation.

The 1 1/2-story house where the fire occurred is set back off of Bridge Avenue, behind another house on the same property.

Gloria Lashbrook, the owner of both homes at 803 Bridge Ave., said she had left her house with a friend a little less than a half hour before the fire was reported to authorities.

About Sam Wilmes

Sam Wilmes covers crime, courts and government for the Albert Lea Tribune.

email author More by Sam