Multi-Family Home Fire in Lake City Leaves One Dead, One Rescued
Photo: Google Maps
Published: February 17th, 2026
LAKE CITY MN: A two-story multi-family home in Lake City was destroyed by fire early February 15th, leaving one person dead and a young female hospitalized.
According to the Lake City Fire Department, crews were dispatched at 6:54 a.m. for a report of a fully involved structure fire with multiple occupants trapped inside.
When firefighters arrived, they encountered heavy smoke and flames showing from all four sides of the building and along the roofline. The front porch had already collapsed. The home was identified as a two-story multi-family dwelling with balloon-frame construction.
Captain M. Herzig assumed command and directed crews to conduct an aggressive search of the second floor.
During a VEIS operation — vent, enter, isolate, search — firefighters rescued a young female from a second-floor window. She was transferred to Lake City EMS, stabilized on scene and transported for further medical care.
Search crews continued working in heavy smoke and fire conditions, facing a partial collapse of the second floor. A second occupant was located inside the home and was pronounced deceased.
Firefighters remained on scene for approximately seven hours before clearing.
Mutual aid assistance was provided by the Wabasha Fire Department and Zumbro Falls Fire Department, with additional EMS response from Wabasha EMS and Lake City EMS. Support at the scene also came from the Lake City Police Department, Minnesota State Patrol, and the Wabasha County Sheriff's Office, along with Lake City Public Works and Glander Excavating.
In a statement, Fire Chief Patterson thanked mutual aid partners and members of the community who provided support throughout the day. The department also asked the public to keep the victims’ families in their thoughts and to respect their privacy.
The cause of the fire has not yet been released.