Downtown Rochester Structure Fire Slows Broadway Traffic

Update 3/13 10:40 a.m. Rochester, MN (KROC-AM News)- A fire in downtown Rochester slowed northbound traffic on Broadway Ave. South Monday morning. 

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The Rochester Fire Department says crews responded to the report of a structure fire shortly before 8:13 a.m. at the intersection of South Broadway and 4th St. Four engines responded to the call along with Mayo Clinic Ambulance and the Rochester Police Department. 

The first crew to arrive reported detecting smoke in the building. Fire crews determined the fire had originated in a closet at the Limb Lab. 

Firefighters used a pressurized water can to extinguish the blaze about six minutes after crews responded. They also shut off the building's sprinkler system and searched the property for possible victims.  

No injuries to civilians or firefighters were reported. The RFD says the building was being evacuated as crews arrived at the scene. 

Officials say the fire caused minor damage to the contents of the closet. There was also water damage reported to the first floor and basement of the building. The cause of the fire has not yet been determined. 

The Rochester Fire Department credited the building’s sprinkler system for limiting the spread of the blaze. Officials say Monday morning’s fire serves as an example of how sprinkler systems can save lives and property in the event of a fire.

Original Story: Rochester, MN (KROC-AM News)- A fire in downtown Rochester slowed northbound traffic on Broadway Ave. South Monday morning. 

Preliminary reports indicate the Rochester Fire Department responded to the report of a structure fire shortly before 8:15 a.m. at the intersection of South Broadway and 4th St. Four engines responded to the call along with Mayo Clinic Ambulance and the Rochester Police Department. 

Fire crews determined the fire call originated from the Limb Lab. Dispatch traffic indicates the fire was out about six minutes after crews responded.

Preliminary reports indicate crews found smoke once they were inside the building. The fire is believed to have originated in a closet at the Limb Lab. 

There’s no word yet on if any injuries were reported in the fire. A damage estimate is not yet available.