One injured in Rice Lake structure fire

Authorities were dispatched to reports of a structure fire on the 4200 block of Schultz Road in Rice Lake on the evening of January 4.

According to the St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office, first responders arrived on scene to discover the structure fully engulfed. The homeowner was able to escape to a neighbor’s house, though reports say they suffered burns to their hands and possible smoke inhalation. The only other occupant of the home, a dog, was later found deceased inside.

The victim was then transported to a Duluth hospital for treatment.

The Minnesota State Fire Marshal’s office has been notified of the fire, and the sheriff’s office says foul play currently is not suspected.

Responding agencies to the fire include the St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office, Rice Lake, Canosia, Lakewood and MN Air National Guard Fire Departments and the Mayo ambulance service.