Victim identified in February house fire in Morse Township

Update: The Midwest Medical Examiner’s Office has positively identified the victim in a house fire on Sunday, February 25. According to the St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office, homeowner, 77-year-old Carol Ann Lindbeck died in the fire.

St. Louis County sent out an update on March 13 regarding the fatal structure fire that happened near Ely on Sunday. According to the St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office, fire fighters located a body inside the home. The name of the victim was being withheld until positive identification could be made.

The Minnesota State Fire Marshal’s Office investigated the cause of the fire and determined it to be accidental and started near the fireplace inside the home.

At 1:18 pm Sunday, a fire was reported in the 1400 block of Grant-McMahan Blvd in Morse Township near Ely. Dispatchers had been told that the elderly homeowner was believed to be inside.

Crews searched the smoke filled home, but did not find anyone at first. Once the fire was under control, they located a body inside the building.

Victim identification is pending further investigation by the State Fire Marshals Officer, Midwest Medical Examiners Office and St Louis County Sheriffs Office.

This story has been updated to include the name of the victim and cause of the fire.