Second-Alarm House Fire Destroys Home in Lakeville
Photo provided to us by the family.
Published: May 12, 2026 | Updated: May 12, 2026 at 9:30 pm.
LAKEVILLE, MINNESOTA - A home in Lakeville was destroyed Tuesday morning after a fast-moving fire broke out in the 8900 block of 211th Street, prompting a second-alarm response.
According to scanner traffic, the fire was dispatched just before 6:50 a.m., with the Lakeville Fire Department initially responding to reports of a structure fire. Early radio traffic indicated that two people were believed to be inside the home, with one individual potentially trapped on the second floor. While crews were still en route, firefighters reported seeing heavy smoke visible on the horizon, confirming the seriousness of the incident before arriving on scene.
The first fire units arrived around 6:53 a.m. and found the home fully engulfed in flames. The incident was quickly upgraded to a second alarm, bringing in mutual aid assistance from the Farmington Fire Department. Additional support was later requested from the Burnsville Fire Department at approximately 7:35 a.m. to assist with city coverage while Lakeville crews remained committed to the scene. Lakeville Fire Chief reports that one firefighter was treated for minor burns, but no other residents or emergency personnel were injured.
The family additionally confirmed that everyone inside the home escaped safely, though they report the home is a total loss. However, one cat remains unaccounted for following the fire. Lakeville fire officials confirmed that the Red Cross was providing the family with assistance and resources.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation. Additional information is expected after officials with the Lakeville Fire Department complete their investigation and release further details.
GoFundMe Launched to Support Family After Devastating House Fire
A GoFundMe created for the family says the fire left the Jensen/Nelson family with a total loss, destroying nearly all of their belongings and treasured family memories.
According to the fundraiser, the family was getting ready for the day when smoke detectors began sounding. They reportedly escaped the home through a second-story bedroom window after much of the house had already filled with smoke. The family said they were able to rescue their dog, but their cat, “Mooshie,” was later found deceased in the rubble.
The fundraiser states that much of the upper level of the home collapsed into the basement, and the structure has since been deemed unsafe to enter. The family says that even items not directly destroyed by flames suffered extensive smoke and water damage, making them unsalvageable.
Family members say the fire left them with only the clothes they were wearing and their phones. In addition to losing personal belongings, they also lost irreplaceable items, including family photos, baby books, heirlooms, and years of memories.
The fundraiser says donations will help the family with immediate needs such as temporary housing, replacing basic necessities, recovering vehicle keys, and navigating the insurance process as they begin rebuilding after the fire.
If you would like to donate and assist the family, you can find the GoFundMe here: https://gofund.me/3dcfe0cf7
Written by: Will Wight
