19 Fire Departments Respond to Large Cottage Grove MN Structure Fire
Published: January 16th, 2026 | Last Updated: January 17, 2026 at 2:50 pm.
COTTAGE GROVE, MN: Fire crews from across the east metro responded to a structure fire just after 8 p.m. Tuesday in the 7600 block of Lawton Avenue South in Cottage Grove.
According to the Cottage Grove Fire Department, Cottage Grove Police officers were first on scene and safely evacuated the home's occupants before firefighters arrived. Crews encountered a large fire in the garage, which quickly spread to the house due to strong wind conditions.
Fire officials say wind, cold temperatures, icy conditions, and the home's location created challenges for firefighters and required complex water operations to bring the fire under control.
The fire has since been contained. No injuries were reported to firefighters or occupants.
Cottage Grove Fire was assisted by Newport, St. Paul Park, Woodbury, Hastings, Lake Elmo, Lower St. Croix Valley, South Metro, Inver Grove Heights, Oakdale, Bayport, Stillwater, Mahtomedi, Maplewood, North St. Paul, Eagan, Mendota Heights, White Bear Lake, and Rosemount Fire Departments along with M Health EMS and the State Fire Marshal's Office.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation.