Albert Lea house fire

City News October 1, 2026

Albert Lea Fire Rescue (ALFR) responded to 718 ½ Cedar Ave. on Oct. 1 at 12:11 a.m. for the report of heavy smoke coming from a room in the home.

Upon arrival, firefighters found smoke coming from the basement apartment of the home and the Albert Lea Police Department (ALPD) on scene dealing with a subject who was suspected of starting the fire. ALPD was dispatched to the home for a report of a disturbance, and in the process the officer noticed smoke coming from the room where the subject was located. Two other people were evacuated from the basement apartment and the subject came out of the home. The upper-level tenants were evacuated and fire crews worked to extinguish the fire. Crews remained on scene for about an hour extinguishing hot spots and clearing the home of smoke.

Damage to the home is estimated at $10,000.

The Minnesota State Fire Marshal’s Office was informed of the fire and is assisting in the investigation.

The cause of the fire is arson and the subject suspected of starting the fire is in police custody.

ALPD and Mayo Clinic Ambulance Service assisted at the scene.

For immediate release
Oct. 1, 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.