State trooper spots burning Minneapolis home, fire official says, leading to rescue effort

A Minnesota State Patrol trooper who spotted flames while responding to another call reported a house fire in Minneapolis early Thursday, the Minneapolis Fire Department said.

Crews were called just before 1 a.m. to the home off 29th Avenue South near Riverside and East Franklin Avenues in the Seward neighborhood after the trooper reported the fire. 

The flames were so large that traffic cameras detected the fire, and neighbors woke to the home being consumed.

Wagner had rescued two residents before firefighters arrived, says Assistant Chief Melanie Rucker, but one resident was still trapped inside.

Firefighters were able to pull the third resident from the home, who was given CPR and was transported to an area hospital in critical condition. The other two residents were also hospitalized for smoke inhalation and are in stable condition, Rucker says.

David Wilkes was inside the home with his mom and dad. While Wilkes said it was he and a firefighter who rescued his parents, he said he appreciated the trooper rushing to the scene.

"I am so proud of that state trooper," said Wilkes. "He did that, he did a good job and I would love to meet him and give him a handshake and congratulations for doing his job."    

Rucker says firefighters also rescued and revived a cat at the scene.

Wilkes says his mother is on life support, and he is hoping for a strong recovery.

"Our thoughts are with the residents injured in this fire and with the State Trooper who bravely entered the home before our crews arrived," Rucker said. "Their actions, and the rapid, coordinated efforts of our firefighters and medical teams, helped prevent an even more devastating outcome. We remain hopeful for the full recovery of everyone affected."

"The Minnesota State Patrol is proud of the quick actions of Trooper Gavin Wagner, who responded to this morning's fire in Minneapolis, entered the burning home and located a resident still inside," said State Patrol Col. Christina Bogojevic. "Because of Trooper Wagner's efforts, he was able to direct firefighters to the resident's location so they could complete the rescue."

Rucker says the home is now "uninhabitable," and the cause of the fire is still under investigation.