According to the U.S. Fire Administration, holiday fires take the lives of more than 400 people each year, injure four times that many and cause close to $100 million in property damage.

In a press release, State Fire Marshal Jerry Rosendahl stated that tragedy can be avoided with common sense and a few purposeful precautions. He urges every Minnesotan to consider the following list of tips and reduce the chances of a fire caused by holiday decorations.

By Keighla Schmidt

Burnsville High School opened its doors while staff and students opened their hearts to those displaced by a fire at nearby Burncliff Manor Apartments Monday (Dec. 22) night. About 80 residents were transported to the school after the fire and 29 spent the night in the gym and used the locker rooms. The school is in session today (Dec. 23) with winter break starting Dec. 24. Physical education and some health classes will meet in alternative rooms for the day.

Carver County Sheriff Byron ‘Bud’ Olson released the name Saturday of the adult male found deceased in Norwood Young America last night.

The deceased man is identified as Raymond William Smith born July 27, 1925, of 124 Hill Street E., Norwood Young America.

At 10:35 p.m. Dec. 19, the Carver County Sheriff’s Office, Norwood/Young America (NYA) Fire Department and Ridgeview Ambulance responded to 124 Hill St. E., for a reported house fire.

Every year the Thanksgiving holiday weekend is one of the deadliest times on Minnesota roads. During 2005-2007, 23 motorists were killed and 63 were injured during the holiday travel period (Wednesday-Sunday), according to the Minnesota Department of Public Safety (DPS). Traffic safety officials encourage motorists to buckle up, drive at safe speeds and pay attention behind the wheel.

Two dogs died after falling through the ice on Neill Lake Sunday, said Eden Prairie Fire Chief George Esbensen.

“Thankfully this wasn’t people, but it’s still obviously very sad for the people that lost their two dogs yesterday,” he said Monday.
Esbensen said that residents need to be reminded about ice safety, especially during this long holiday weekend when children will be home from school.

“Ice can be a real curiosity for kids,” Esbensen said. “There’s not a place in this state where the ice would be considered safe right now.”

"Early Sunday morning, Nov. 2, Americans say goodbye to Daylight Saving Time. After we turn our clocks back one hour, the darkness comes earlier, our nights grow colder, and for a variety of reasons, the risk of residential fires increases," according to a news release from the Minnesota Department of Public Safety.

State Fire Marshal Jerry Rosendahl reminds Minnesotans that when they roll back their clocks, it’s time to install fresh batteries in home smoke alarms, and replace alarms that are 10 years old, the release said.

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is reporting that abnormally dry conditions are causing concern in much of Minnesota.

"Wildfire suppression officials are concerned about potential fire danger since much of Minnesota has been unusually dry since mid-June," according to a DNR news release.

The release said:

By Nancy Huddleston

SAVAGE -- An air-conditioning unit at Prior Lake High School caught fire Thursday night, but there was no extensive damage inside the school.

Savage police officer Gene Miller was on routine patrol at about 9:10 p.m. and observed smoke coming from the roof of the building.

“Something didn’t look right to him so he got out to take a closer look,” said Savage Police Chief Rodney Seurer. “Right then, he heard a sizzle and a loud pop and flames started coming from the roof.”