Bismarck Fire Department Responds to House Fire
At 4:57 am the Bismarck Fire Department responded to a report of a fire on the back side of a house at 623 N. 15th Street. The house was divided into three apartments. Firefighters found a fire in the Southwest corner of the house in a three season porch and smoke coming from the eaves the roof. The fire had spread to the inside of the porch where there was extensive fire. All of the occupants of the building were reported to be out of the house.
The firefighters were able to extinguish the fire inside and outside the three season porch, and prevent it from extending to the rest of the building. A search of the house confirmed that all occupants were evacuated.
There were no injuries to any civilians or firefighters during the fire. All of the occupants will be displaced for at least a day or two. The fire department chaplain was called to assist the occupants and all of them were able to find another place to stay during the cleanup.
There was extensive fire damage in the three season porch and significant smoke damage throughout the house. Preliminary fire loss estimates are approximately $35,000.
The origin of the fire is possibly a compost bin against the outside wall of the building. The fire is still under investigation, but appears to be accidental.