Rural Barnum home hit by fire

A house fire in Barnum Township Sunday put three people in the hospital for smoke inhalation, and destroyed the home, killing several pets that were inside.

According to a press release from the Carlton County Sheriff’s Office, a 911 call reporting the structure fire at 4120 County Road 6 in Barnum Township came in just after noon Sunday, March 29. The initial report was that the water heater inside the residence had started on fire and the flames had spread to the residence.

Members of the Barnum Fire Department, Moose Lake Police Department and sheriff’s deputies arrived at the and confirmed that all of the occupants were able to get out. An adult male and two juveniles were transported by Mercy Hospital Ambulance to Mercy Hospital in Moose Lake. They were transported for treatment due to smoke inhalation; their condition was not believed to be life threatening.

The family was put in contact with the American Red Cross for assistance.

The State Fire Marshal was contacted and is assisting with the investigation, headed by the sheriff’s office. Also assisting with the fire response were Mahtowa, Moose Lake, and Kettle River fire crews along with conservation officers from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources.