ALBERT LEA, Minn. — A house fire on Briarwood Drive on Sunday afternoon caused an estimated $30,000 in damage after a homeowner used a weed burner near the home.
Albert Lea Fire Rescue responded to the 1300 block of Briarwood Drive at 2:18 p.m. for the report of a house fire. Firefighters found fire on the front of the home near the garage and smoke coming out of the attic space.
Everyone home at the time of the fire got out safely. Five cats in the home were unharmed.
Albert Lea Fire Rescue says the homeowner had been using a weed burner around the home about 20 minutes before the fire. Burning embers got up under the siding and started the exterior wall on fire without the homeowner knowing. A neighbor saw the fire and called 911.
Albert Lea Fire Rescue personnel conducted the fire investigation. The Minnesota State Fire Marshal's Office was contacted and informed of the fire but did not respond.
Mayo Clinic Ambulance and Albert Lea Police Department helped at the scene.