Space heater fire

City News February 2, 2026

Albert Lea Fire Rescue responded to 923 Lakewood Ave. on Monday, Feb. 2, at 3:41 a.m. for the report of a space heater on fire.

Fire crews arrived on scene and found the resident had extinguished the fire by unplugging the space heater and pouring a cup of water on it. Both residents received smoke inhalation and were treated on scene. They went to the emergency room by personal vehicle. Fire crews removed the heater from the home and ventilated the smoke.

The cause of the fire was a fault in the space heater. The homeowner was using the unit correctly by plugging it directly into an outlet and remaining in the area and awake while it was being used.

Light smoke damage was recorded in the area of the fire, but did not spread into the structure.

Mayo Clinic Ambulance Service assisted on the scene.

For immediate release
Feb. 2, 2026
Contact for fire operations: Fire Chief Jeff Laskowske at 507-377-4311 or jlaskowske@ci.albertlea.mn.us
Contact for fire investigation during business hours: Albert Lea Fire Rescue at 507-377-4341

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The mission of Albert Lea Fire Rescue: We are committed to help people and to do what is right, today and in the future.