ST. PAUL (WCCO) – A man was discovered dead after a garage fire in St. Paul overnight, the fourth fatality in the city of St. Paul this year.
The fire happened on the 800 block of Juno Avenue at about 2 a.m.
The fire had been burning for quite some time before neighbors noticed and contacted the fire department. Moments after fire crews arrived at the scene, the roof of the garage collapsed, with the walls of the structure falling in after.
A 55-year-old man who was living inside the detached garage on the property died in the fire.
“We understand he’s been living in the garage for about seven years,” said St. Paul Fire Marshal Steve Zaccard. “According to neighbors, his mother wouldn’t let him live in the house. She passed away and the house is vacant and up for sale.”
The city of St. Paul wasn’t aware the victim lived in the garage, which likely isn’t up to code as a living structure.
The building is a total loss.
Fire investigators are still searching for a cause.
The fire also took out some power lines in the alley, cutting power to nearby residents. Xcel Energy crews are on scene working to restore power.
