Firefighters on the scene of a house fire in Victoria, Minnesota. (FOX 9)
VICTORIA, Minn. (FOX 9) - A deck fire in a Victoria neighborhood damaged three homes, prompted the evacuation of 32 townhomes and left one person unaccounted for on Tuesday.
House fire in Victoria
What we know:
Firefighters responded to a deck fire at the back of a home around 6:30 a.m. on Carriage Drive near the intersection of Red Fox Drive, located in Victoria’s Laketown neighborhood.
Officials said the fire spread to two neighboring homes. Two homes sustained significant damage, including one believed to be a total loss, while a third home sustained damage to its siding.
The City of Victoria asked the public to keep a safe distance and leave nearby roads clear for emergency vehicles. Red Fox Drive was also closed during the response.
As a precaution, residents from 32 townhome units were evacuated but have since been allowed to return.
FOX 9 crews at the scene observed extensive damage to the home, with much of the roof and exterior walls destroyed, leaving behind charred framing and piles of debris.
Firefighters remained at the scene as of 10 a.m. to monitor for hot spots, with smoke still rising from the damaged structure.
What we don't know:
Officials say one person remains unaccounted for.
Officials did not say what caused the fire.
Victoria Elementary School impacted
Dig deeper:
The response to the house fire also impacted morning drop-off at nearby Victoria Elementary School.
Eastern Carver County Schools said Red Fox Drive off Highway 11/Victoria Drive was closed Tuesday morning, even after the fire had been extinguished.
School officials advised parents dropping off students to access the school from neighborhoods to the south and west.
Officials continue to ask the public to avoid the area as crews work.
The Source: This story uses information from City of Victoria, Eastern County Schools and FOX 9 crews at the scene.