The city of Red Wing is reporting its first fire fatality in many years, according to Fire Chief Shannon Draper.
Red Wing firefighters responded to a residential fire at 8:19 a.m. Sunday along the 1200 block of Phelps Street. Once on scene, neighbors alerted them that the home was still occupied, likely by the adult son of the homeowner.
Crews started "an aggressive interior operation," with firefighters simultaneously searching the home and putting out the fire. Crews reported encountering fire at the front porch and living room area, as well as heavy smoke on the first and second floors. It appeared the fire started in the living room, although the cause and circumstances are under investigation by the State Fire Marshal and Red Wing Police.
A victim was found on the first floor within minutes of searching the home.