Miscellaneous

(WCCO) Relief efforts for residents displaced by the December 22 fire at the Burncliff Apartments continues today, with support being provided through cash donations and in-kind support. Persons interested in assisting are encouraged to use the following methods:

Cash Donations Directly to Displaced Residents

Send a cash donation directly to displaced residents by dropping it off at any US Bank or by mail.

•Drop off Checks at US Bank- Drop off checks at any US Bank location and make checks payable to US Bank/Burncliff Apartments and use account number #1047-9040-3729

•Send Donation Checks by Mail –Mail checks to: Goodman Group
Burncliff Apartment Fund, Suite 200, Chaska, MN 55318

•American Red Cross – Donate online at www.redcrosstc.org, by phone at 612-460-3700 or by mail to American Red Cross Twin Cities Chapter at PO Box 1450, Minneapolis, MN 55485.

In-Kind Donation Support

A drop-off site for donations has been established at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church – Christian Life Center located at 13901 Fairview Drive. Donations should be delivered to Door J. Contributions will no longer be accepted at the Burnsville High School location.

Housing Assistance

Victims of the fire who may qualify for assistance from Dakota County are encouraged to contact Deb Haugh of the Dakota County Community Development Agency at 651-675-4400. Another resource for temporary housing is Housing Link an agency that can assist with emergency housing needs. Contact them at 651-522-2500.

Building Occupancy

The Burncliff Apartments is a two-building apartment complex. One of the two buildings was damaged in the fire and residents of 61-unit structure adjacent to the impacted structure will be able to return to their homes starting today at 2:30 p.m. The property management company is working with residents in the 64 unit building displaced by the fire to help them find replacement housing. An informational hotline for residents has been established at 651-373-2810.

Fire Investigation Status

The cause of the fire in not known and will be determined through a comprehensive investigation coordinated by the Burnsville Fire Marshal. Fire officials are conducting a structural integrity assessment of the building so the investigation into determining the cause can begin. Due to the size and complexity of the incident it could be an extended investigation. Burnsville Fire will release information regarding the cause of the fire when it becomes available.

Information on the Fire

Burnsville Fire responded to an emergency 911 call made from inside the structure at 12312 Parkwood Drive at 3:55 p.m. on Monday, December 22. When firefighters arrived on the scene, they observed smoke coming through the roof. The fire spread quickly and within minutes flames were visible through the roof and the fire raged out of control.

Over 120 firefighters and emergency responders from six fire departments fought the blaze for over six hours braving demanding sub-zero weather conditions. The Burnsville Fire Department wants to extend sincere appreciation to the mutual aid assistance provided by the fire departments from the City of Eagan, Apple Valley, Lakeville, Savage and Bloomington. Special appreciation is also extended to the American Red Cross, Salvation Army, Community Action Council and Burnsville High School students and staff for emergency response and recovery assistance.

Although the building is considered a total loss, no reports of missing residents have been filed and there are no reports of loss of life or injury.

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