On April 4, the East Bethel Fire Department was dispatched at about 11:25 a.m. to the 19900 block of Austin Street Northeast for a reported structure fire, according to an April 5 press release.
Initial crews found a large pole barn with heavy smoke and fire showing on all sides, the release said. Firefighters made entry before shifting to a defensive attack.
The building and its contents were a total loss, though no civilians were injured, according to the department. Two firefighters requested evaluation by Allina Ambulance. One was taken to a hospital in stable condition, while the other was treated at the scene and released.
East Bethel was assisted by Ham Lake, Linwood, Rum River, Oak Grove, Andover, Spring Lake Park-Blaine-Mounds View, Forest Lake, Stacy-Lent and Nowthen fire departments, along with Allina Health EMS and the Anoka County Sheriff’s Office. The cause remains under investigation by the Anoka County Sheriff’s Office and the Anoka County Fire Investigation Team.