Exploding Tanks Fuel Minneapolis Homeless Encampment Fire, Houses Hit

MINNEAPOLIS — Two residential homes were significantly damaged after a propane-fueled fire from a homeless encampment spread Tuesday night, displacing at least eight residents.

Fire crews responded to reports of a fire at a homeless encampment in the 2400 block of 15th Avenue South just after 10:20 p.m. Initial reports indicated that propane tanks were exploding and the fire had spread to a nearby single-family home.

At the scene, crews found several tents in the encampment fully engulfed in flames, with propane tanks continuing to explode.

The fire had spread to a neighboring residence at 2417 15th Avenue South, causing significant damage.

The intense heat also melted the siding of another nearby home at 2411 15th Avenue South, though the flames did not reach the structure, authorities said.

Firefighters worked quickly to contain the blaze, extinguishing flames in both the encampment and the affected home at 2417 15th Avenue South, all while contending with ongoing explosions from propane tanks.

After approximately 45 minutes, the main fire was under control, but crews remained on-site to address lingering hotspots in the encampment.

Overhaul operations were conducted, and 2417 15th Avenue South was boarded up for safety. Both primary and secondary searches of the encampment and surrounding homes confirmed that no one was inside at the time of the fire.

Encampment residents reported that everyone was accounted for.

Metro Transit buses were brought in to provide temporary shelter for evacuees, and the Red Cross assisted eight adult residents displaced from 2417 15th Avenue South. Residents of 2411 15th Avenue South were able to remain in their home.

The cause of the fire is currently under investigation.