An early morning fire has leveled a home in the Martin Farms neighborhood, leaving a family of seven temporarily homeless.
Albertville Fire Chief Eric Bullen said the Albertville Fire Department was dispatched to the structure fire in the 7200 block of Martin Farms Avenue Northeast around 4:30 a.m. on Monday, Aug. 20. Upon arrival, the initial structure – the Moorman house, was fully involved with two neighboring homes in jeopardy. The initial structure is a total loss, with the other two sustaining exterior damage.
Firefighters fought to keep the flames from spreading to the houses on either side of the initial fire, but there is significant damage to the siding on both homes.
The Albertville Fire Department was assisted by the Elk River Fire Department, the Rogers Fire Department, the St. Michael Fire Department, the Wright County Sheriff’s Office, and Allina Ambulance, Bullen added.
The State Fire Marshal’s Office is investigating the cause of the fire.
According to witness accounts, the mother of the family, Brittni Moorman, was up at the time the fire started, feeding her infant. She heard a popping noise on her way back to bed, and tried to wake her husband, Chris. Brittni then saw an orange glow outside of a window and knew the house was on fire.
The family was able to escape the fire, along with the family dog. A cat is still missing.
A GoFundMe account has been set up to raise money for the Moorman family, who left the home Monday morning with nothing but their clothes and some personal items, such as cell phones.