Sheriff: Woman, 91, Escapes Fire At Richmond Home

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) – A 91-year-old woman was able to escape a house fire in Richmond Monday morning that started in the kitchen and spread too fast to contain, according to the Stearns County Sheriff's Office.

Authorities responded at about 7:46 a.m. to a house fire at 18941 Fall Ridge Rd. in Richmond. The Chain of Lakes Fire Department responded, with mutual aid from the Richmond and Cold Spring Fire Departments. When crews arrived, the homeowner said the fire started when she was using a small kitchen appliance and tried to put it out, but it grew too fast.

She was able to get out of the house safely and was helped by neighbors while crews responded. She was taken to a hospital for precautionary reasons. The house is believed to be a total loss.

Authorities say the cause of the fire is under investigation.