Fire destroys home northwest of Barnum

A home in Skelton Township was completely destroyed by an early morning fire Tuesday, Aug. 13. The Carlton County Sheriff’s Office received the 911 call reporting a structure fire at 2:28 a.m. Tuesday on the 3500 block of County Road 157 in Skelton Township, northwest of Barnum. The initial report indicated a house was on fire and all occupants had made it safely outside.

Deputies from the Carlton County Sheriff’s Office responded with fire departments from Barnum, Moose Lake and Mahtowa. Upon arrival, the house was found to be fully involved with fire and was a complete loss. One of the property owners was transported by private vehicle to a local hospital for smoke inhalation where they were treated and released. Essentia Ambulance responded to the scene and evaluated two other family members.

The American Red Cross was notified and will be assisting the homeowners with their needs. The origin of the fire does not appear to be suspicious and is still under investigation by the Minnesota Fire Marshall’s Office and The Carlton County Sheriff’s Office.