St. Paul garage fire ruled arson, investigation underway

A garage fire occurred in St. Paul, Minnesota, early Friday morning, specifically reported just before 1 a.m. on the 100 block of Manitoba Avenue. The fire department confirmed that the blaze was intentionally set, prompting an investigation by local law enforcement. Fortunately, there were no injuries reported, and no individuals were present inside the garage at the time of the incident. However, the two-car garage sustained significant damage from the fire. Fire crews managed to contain the flames, preventing further damage to a nearby structure. Despite their efforts, the garage has been deemed unstable, raising concerns about its structural integrity. St. Paul's Department of Safety and Inspections is currently assessing the situation to determine the extent of the damage and the safety of the surrounding area. The investigation into the cause of the fire is ongoing, with officials working to identify any potential suspects or motives behind the act of arson. The community is urged to provide any information that may assist in the investigation. This incident highlights the ongoing issue of intentional fires in urban areas, which can pose significant risks to public safety and property. As the investigation unfolds, authorities are focusing on ensuring the safety of the neighborhood and preventing similar incidents in the future. The fire department's quick response played a crucial role in limiting the damage, but the community remains on alert as they await further updates on the investigation.