Joe Drennan
Staff Writer

Forest Lake fire crews responded to a fire at 9256 181st Ave. in Columbus Township shortly after 10 p.m. Saturday night.

When crews arrived on the scene the structure was totally engulfed in flames. The west side of the building had a large volume of flame, Fire Chief Gary Sigfrinius said.

Forest Lake was assisted by Wyoming on the scene and Hugo fire was on standby at the Forest Lake fire station to respond to other calls while crews battled the fire.

Sigfrinius said 35-40 firefighters battled the blaze, but the structure was destroyed.

The cause of the fire is being investigated as arson. The home is owned by Linda Beyer. Sigfrinius said the motive is unknown. The Anoka County Sheriffís Office is investigating.

Sigfrinius estimated the loss of the house at $180,000.

The total value of damage is likely to be much higher once all belongings are accounted for, the fire chief said.

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Forest Lake Times
P.O. Box 218
880 SW 15 St.
Forest Lake, MN 55025
651-464-4601
Fax 651-464-4605