BISMARCK, N.D. – At 8:44 a.m. on Wednesday, December 18, the Bismarck Fire Department responded to a report of a fire in the basement of a home on the 200 block of Tower Ave. Upon arrival, firefighters found light smoke coming from the door to the home, but no fire visible from the exterior. Firefighters gained entry to the basement, where the homeowner had reported the fire’s location. They rapidly knocked down the fire containing it to a corner of the utility room.

MDU responded and disconnected the electrical supply to the home, allowing firefighters to ensure that the fire was completely out. The wall above the home’s electrical panel received minor structural damage from the fire, along with damage to the electrical panel itself. The homeowner exited the home immediately after discovering the fire, and there were no injuries to either the resident or firefighters.

Preliminary fire loss estimate to the home and contents is $5000. The cause of the fire appears to have been accidental, and electrical in nature.