Eagan Fire Chief: Duplex Blaze Occurred Under Suspicious Circumstances

Authorities are saying that a fire that destroyed a duplex in Pearlmont Heights may have been the work of an arsonist.

An early morning fire tore through a newly-constructed duplex on Sunday, June 30. The structure fire on Lemieux Circle, which was called in at about 5:00 in the morning, ultimately required the services of all five fire stations in Eagan. About 30 Eagan firefighters responded to the blaze, battling the fire for three hours. 

Arriving crews found one half of a newly-constructed duplex fully engulfed in flames. Authorities say the heat was "so intense that the vinyl siding on at least three neighboring homes started to melt."

The building was not occupied. No injuries were reported as a result of the fire. 

Investigators have ruled out accidental causes. According to a statement from the Fire Department, the fire appears to be of a "suspicious nature."

Anyone with information about the cause of the fire is encouraged to call the Eagan Fire Department at (651) 675-5900 or the Arson Hotline at 1-800-723-2020. Tipsters can also send information vie email at http://www.mniaai.org/. A reward of up to $1,000 could be granted for information that leads to the identification of persons responsible for last Sunday's fire.