MINNEAPOLIMEDIA NEWS | Massive Fire Damages About 90 Apartments in St. Louis Park, Displacing Residents and Injuring Three

ST. LOUIS PARK, MN (July 18, 2026) Approximately 90 apartment units were damaged when a three-alarm fire swept through the Helix Apartments in St. Louis Park Friday evening, displacing residents from a large portion of the 167-unit complex.

St. Louis Park firefighters responded at 4:47 p.m. to a report of smoke at the building in the 7500 block of Highway 7. Arriving crews encountered an active fire that had spread through the upper portion and roof of the three-story building.

Images from the scene showed flames extending above the roof as a column of dark smoke became visible from surrounding highways and neighborhoods.

Approximately 20 fire departments assisted in bringing the fire under control. The scale of the response reflected both the size of the building and the challenges created by the fire’s movement through the roof.

City officials reported that the fire was under control by approximately 8:30 p.m., although crews remained at the property to extinguish hot spots and complete an overhaul of damaged areas.

One person was transported to a hospital with injuries described as non-life-threatening. Two firefighters were treated at the scene for heat-related injuries.

Residents Face Displacement

The extent of the damage left many residents unable to return to their apartments. Emergency assistance was being coordinated for those displaced, although the full number of people requiring temporary housing had not been immediately established.

Fire officials were investigating the cause. Preliminary information suggested that the fire may have started near a third-floor balcony, but authorities had not confirmed that finding.

The incident occurred during a period of extreme summer heat, adding to the physical strain placed on firefighters wearing heavy protective equipment while working around the building.

Residents affected by the fire should follow instructions from property management, emergency personnel and organizations assisting with temporary shelter.

Sources

• City of St. Louis Park
• CBS News Minnesota
• KSTP
• FOX 9

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