1 person dead in Victoria neighborhood fire that damaged several homes

The city of Victoria, Minnesota, says one person died in a fire Tuesday morning that significantly damaged two homes.

Mayor Debra McMillan said in a news conference crews were called to Carriage and Red Fox drives around 6:30 a.m. on a report of a deck fire.

The fire spread to a neighboring home, McMillan said, and residents of 32 townhome units nearby were evacuated out of precaution. Neighbors say they did their best to help knock on doors and get people to safety.

"Today has been a devastating day for our community. Losing a neighbor in such a tragic way is heartbreaking, and words cannot fully express the sadness we feel for their family and loved ones," McMillan said.  

A total of 10 area fire departments converged in the fight.

"This is a beautiful example of the mutual aid agreement that we have with many of our neighboring fire departments," McMillan said. "They come when we call, and we appreciate that so much."

The mayor says the fires are now contained, and crews are still at the scene to monitor for hot spots.

One of the two homes that were significantly damaged is considered a total loss, McMillan said, while a third home just sustained siding damage.

"At some point in time, I'm sure there's going to be a call for aid and assistance to these families who've lost their home, and we know that our community will respond," McMillan said. "Please keep those folks in your thoughts and prayers. This is a hard day for Victoria."

Victoria Elementary School is near the impacted homes, with officials in the Eastern Carver County Schools district redirecting families to entrances on the other side of campus for student drop-offs and pick-ups. The school day continued as normal.

Victoria is about 30 miles southwest of Minneapolis.