The Faribault Fire Department, Faribault Police Department and North Memorial Ambulance were all dispatched at 2:26 this morning to a house fire at 1811 7th Street NW in Faribault.  Chief Dustin Dienst says flames were visible from the exterior of the home and smoke was coming out of all sides of the structure.

Dienst says. "Fire crews made a quick initial knock down of the fire and then completed an initial search for victims because it wasn't confirmed that the home was unoccupied.  Firefighters did not find anyone in the home.  The fire was able to penetrate many areas of the building because it was still in disrepair from a previous fire on February 22nd of this year.  Crews spent a lot of time in overhaul mode to ensure that the fire was completely out."

A firefighter was taken to District One Hospital.  He was treated and released for smoke inhalation.

The State Fire Marshall's Office was contacted and will be assisting the Faribault Fire and Police Departments with an investigation.

Investigators were joined by Dienst this morning going through the home in search of the cause of the blaze.

At this time the Faribault Fire Chief says the cause is "under investigation."

Dienst added, "We are thankful no one was occupying the structure at the time of the fire."

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