One Dead in Wadena Apartment Fire, Other Residents Displaced

Aftermath of a deadly fire in a Wadena apartment building. (Wadena Area Chamber of Commerce)

Wadena, MN – Wadena officials have confirmed the death of one resident in an apartment fire Sunday night (February 16th).

The Wadena Fire Department and assisting crews responded to the complex at 123 Bryant Avenue at around 10:46 p.m. First responders found heavy flames coming out of an upstairs window.

One person was found dead, while the other 12 residents were displaced. Several residents in a nearby apartment building were temporarily evacuated.

Fire crews say the subzero temperatures and wind chills caused four trucks and two ladders to freeze up, making fighting the fire difficult. Crews were on scene until Monday afternoon, over 14 hours after they initially arrived.

The State Fire Marshal’s office is assisting with the investigation. The identity of the deceased victim will be released after the family is notified. Officials have arranged temporary housing for the displaced victims at the AmericInn of Wadena.

The Wadena Fire and Police Departments were assisted by the Verndale, Staples, Bluffton, Deer Creek, Sebeka, and Perham Fire Departments, the Wadena County Sheriff’s Office, Astera Health, and Wadena Iron and Metal.