St. Cloud apartment fire displaces 68; repairs months away

ST. CLOUD — Almost 70 people will not be able to move back into their residences after a fire last weekend left an apartment building near Lake George unlivable.

St. Cloud Fire Department evacuated residents from the Cedar Row apartment building on the 300 block of Seventh Avenue South about 3 a.m. Saturday.

According to St. Cloud Fire Marshal Mike Post, the department's investigation showed the most probable cause of the fire was a cigarette, as they found "evidence of smoking on the third and fourth floors." The fire started on the third-floor deck.

Property manager James Cates said Tuesday the fire completely burned two apartment units and caused significant smoke damage to others. Some also have water damage.

Read more: https://www.sctimes.com/story/news/local/2018/09/11/almost-70-people-seeking-new-housing-after-weekend-apartment-fire/1256544002/