BISMARCK, ND – At approximately 9:59 AM on Wednesday, January 19 the Central Dakota Communications Center received a report of smoke inside an apartment house that was undergoing renovation, located on the 1100 block of East Avenue D. The Bismarck Fire Department was dispatched to respond. The first arriving fire crew found a two-unit apartment house with smoke showing from the eves of the roof.
The fire crew established command, and spoke with a construction contractor who confirmed that the building was evacuated. The fire crew deployed a hose line and went in to investigate. As additional fire crews arrived they were tasked with establishing a water supply, and securing the utilities. The fire was found inside the wall of the second-floor apartment and was quickly extinguished. An overhaul operation was conducted to find any remaining smoldering materials, and the building was ventilated of smoke.
Seven fire department apparatus and 18 firefighters were dispatched to the scene. The Bismarck Police Department assisted with scene control. Montana Dakota Utilities assisted with securing utilities.
The building was under renovation at the time the fire occurred. Contractors who were working on the project noticed the smoke and called 911. There were no injuries to the contractors or first responders. Fire damage was limited to one wall in the room of origin. The cause of the fire is under investigation.