Brush Fire Spreads to Kohl’s Building in Apple Valley; Store Evacuated
Published: June 13, 2026 | Last Updated: June 13, 2026 at 4:52 PM.
APPLE VALLEY, MINNESOTA - A brush fire outside a Kohl’s department store in Apple Valley briefly spread to the exterior of the building Saturday afternoon, prompting a large emergency response and the temporary evacuation of the store.
Just after 1:20 p.m. on Saturday, June 13, 2026, crews from the Apple Valley Fire Department, Apple Valley Police Department, and Allina Health were dispatched to the Kohl’s store in the 14000 block of Florence Trail following reports of a brush fire near the front of the business. Initial reports indicated the fire started in vegetation outside the store before spreading to the front of the building. Due to concerns about the fire's proximity to the structure, the incident was upgraded to a second alarm, bringing additional Apple Valley fire units to the scene at approximately 1:48 p.m. Firefighters quickly worked to contain the blaze and prevent further extension into the building. By 1:54 p.m., crews reported the fire was extinguished, and additional units that had been responding were slowed to routine status.
As a precaution, the Kohl’s store was evacuated while firefighters ensured the fire had been fully extinguished and that no hidden hot spots remained. Fire crews continued working near the store’s right-front entrance following the fire knockdown, conducting checks to ensure the blaze had not spread further into the structure. Around 2:16 p.m., employees were allowed to return to the building, and normal store operations resumed while firefighters completed their final assessments outside.
According to Apple Valley officials, it was believed the fire started in the mulch near the building, then spread to the bushes and the building's exterior facade and insulation. The cause of the fire is still being investigated. Officials confirmed there were no injuries.
This story will be updated as more information becomes available.
Written by: Will Wight
