The Becker County Sheriff’s Office has released more information about last week’s fatal fire in Osage.
According to the Becker County Sheriff’s Office, deputies received a 911 call at approximately 4:24 a.m. on February 18 reporting a structure fire at a residence in Osage, about 30 miles east of Detroit Lakes. A male resident of the home flagged down a passing motorist on Highway 34 and reported the fire, telling authorities a female might still be inside the residence.
Carsonville and Park Rapids fire departments responded to the scene along with a Becker County sheriff’s deputy. A female now identified as 79-year-old Anita Charlene Gruel, was later located inside the home and pronounced deceased at the scene.
Her son, Charles Lane Gruel, 48, also of Osage, was transported by North Memorial Ambulance to St. Joseph’s Hospital in Park Rapids, where he was treated for smoke inhalation and possible burns.
The cause of the fire has not yet been determined. The Minnesota State Fire Marshal’s Office is assisting with the investigation, along with Carsonville Fire and Rescue, the Park Rapids Fire Department, and North Memorial Ambulance.
Officials say the incident remains under investigation, and no further details have been released at this time.