Several Fire Agencies Respond to Vacant Metcalf Middle School Fire; Three Individuals Detained as Investigation Continues
Published: June 25, 2026.
EAGAN, MN: A fire at the long-vacant Metcalf Middle School on the Burnsville-Eagan border drew a massive response from multiple fire departments and remains under investigation after three individuals were detained at the scene. Emergency crews were dispatched at approximately 9:40 p.m. Wednesday, June 24, 2026, for reports of smoke coming from the rotunda and a possible fire at the former Metcalf Middle School, located in the 2200 block of Diffley Road in Eagan.
Initial responding crews from the Eagan Fire Department, Burnsville Fire Department, and Eagan Police arrived to investigate the incident at the vacant school, which has sat unused for several years. As police and fire were investigating the possible fire and smoke, three people were seen inside the building and reportedly refused to exit. Neighbors who live across the street from the facility tell Limitless Media News that people have been breaking into the building for years, and police have been called there several times in response to the break-ins.
Early in the response, firefighters were told they would take a defensive attack on the building, as it is vacant. Fire crews did run into issues with the hydrants on the grounds being dry, so Diffley Road had to be closed to run water supplies from the nearest fire hydrants across the street.
Three Individuals Detained
While on scene, Limitless Media News captured police handcuffing three individuals from the east side of the building. At approximately 11 p.m., the Eagan Police Department confirmed to Limitless Media News that three individuals had been detained pending further investigation of the active incident. Officials were unable to confirm the age of the individuals involved.
Authorities have not yet announced whether the three individuals were formally arrested or whether any criminal charges are pending.
Limitless Media News has reached out to both the Eagan Police and Eagan Fire departments for additional information regarding the investigation.
Fire Escalates to Multiple Alarms
As the scene progressed, it was upgraded to a second alarm, with additional resources requested from across the south metro, bringing mutual aid from:
Apple Valley Fire Department
South Metro Fire Department
Inver Grove Heights Fire Department
M Health Fairview EMS personnel also responded to assist at the scene.
By approximately midnight, numerous fire and law enforcement agencies remained on scene as firefighters continued working to investigate and extinguish the fire. The response appeared to grow again shortly afterward, with the incident reportedly reaching a third alarm, prompting additional mutual aid from the Richfield Fire Department.
Firefighters continued working to extinguish and ventilate the structure for several hours overnight. By approximately 4 a.m., Eagan fire crews remained at the property while contractors boarded up portions of the building. By that time, all mutual aid departments had been released from the scene.
Vacant School Awaiting Redevelopment
The former Metcalf Middle School has been vacant since Independent School District 191 closed the facility in 2019. Following a comprehensive review of district facilities and enrollment trends, District 191 closed three school buildings that year. The School Board later approved a long-term management plan for the unused properties.
The Metcalf property had been slated for redevelopment, with plans to demolish the school and replace it with a new residential development of townhomes and apartments.
Investigation Ongoing
Officials have not yet released the cause of the fire. Investigators are working to determine how the fire started and whether criminal activity played a role. Authorities have not yet confirmed whether the incident is being investigated as a possible arson case.
Limitless Media News is awaiting additional information from investigators, including whether the three individuals detained at the scene have been arrested or charged.
This remains a developing story, and additional updates will be published as more information becomes available.
Location of incident in Eagan, Minnesota.
Written by: Will Wight
