Owner injured, house damaged after Duluth structure fire

A man was injured and home damaged after a reported explosion and structure fire in Duluth.

The Duluth Fire Department responded for a report of an explosion at 514 N 18th Ave E. around 9:45 Thursday morning.

A Duluth Fire Department Deputy Fire Marshal was nearby and arrived first on scene. He reported heavy black smoke coming from the building and that the male owner of the home had injuries from the fire.

DPD officers assisted with blocking traffic from the area. When firefighters arrived they found heavy smoke and fire coming from the tuck under garage. A vehicle was parked in the garage at the time of the fire and was significantly damaged.

No other occupants were found and the fire was not extending into the upper floors. Officials say quick arrival and actions kept the main fire damage to the garage area but the house suffered significant smoke damage.

Crews were on scene for approximately 2.5 hours and the fire is being investigated by the Fire Marshal’s office.

Initial damage estimates are $35,000 to the structure and $55,000 to the contents.