Third-Alarm Fire Engulfs Former Lighthouse Church, Home of Ethiopian Orthodox Congregation, in Rosemount
Published: July 13, 2026 | Last Updated: July 13, 2026 at 6:30 PM.
ROSEMOUNT, MINNESOTA - Firefighters from multiple agencies battled a large third-alarm structure fire Monday morning at the former Lighthouse Church building in Rosemount, which appears to currently be home to MN Debre Bisrat St. Gabriel and Arsema Ethiopian Orthodox Church.
Emergency crews were dispatched at approximately 9:50 a.m. to 3285 144th Street W following reports of a working structure fire. Initial reports indicated flames were coming from the roof and the building's bell tower. Rosemount Fire Department and Apple Valley Fire Department crews arrived to find heavy fire conditions and immediately began fire suppression. City officials said the building is believed to be unoccupied or to have been completely evacuated before fire crews arrived, though firefighters have been working to confirm it has been fully cleared.
Location of church fire in Rosemount, Minnesota.
As crews worked to contain the blaze, the incident was upgraded to a third-alarm fire at approximately 10:30 a.m., bringing in additional personnel and resources from neighboring departments. Mutual aid requested as part of the third alarm included personnel from the Farmington Fire Department and Lakeville Fire Department, providing additional staffing to assist crews operating under challenging fire conditions and hot weather.
In a public safety update issued at 10:46 a.m., City of Rosemount officials identified the building as the former Lighthouse Church and advised residents to avoid the area due to the significant fire and police response. Authorities continue to ask the public to avoid the area around 3285 144th Street W while emergency operations remain underway. Roads surrounding the scene are expected to remain closed until firefighters have extinguished the fire and the area is deemed safe.
No injuries have been reported as of Monday morning, and the cause of the fire has not yet been released. City officials have confirmed that the Minnesota State Fire Marshal is on scene and will assist in the investigation into the cause of this fire, which is standard protocol for a religious or government institution.
This remains a developing story. Limitless Media News will continue to provide updates as additional information becomes available from fire officials.
UPDATE (4:21 p.m.): Road Closures Continue as Investigation into Rosemount Church Fire Remains Active
Road Closure Map provided by the Rosmeount Police Department.
Authorities are continuing to investigate Monday morning's third-alarm fire at the Minnesota Debre Bisrat St. Gabriel and St. Arsema Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church, and officials say road closures around the scene are expected to remain in place for an extended period.
According to a 4:21 p.m. public safety update from the Rosemount Police Department, barricades remain in place along 144th Street W. between Canada Avenue and Cantata Avenue W., with the closure extending from 145th Street W. to Upper 143rd Street W.
Officials anticipate the area will remain closed as fire investigators continue examining the scene. Residents living in the affected neighborhood may still access their homes via Chili Avenue, but should be prepared to provide proof of residency at designated checkpoints.
Police are asking the public to continue avoiding the area and to remain outside the established safety perimeter while emergency personnel complete their work.
Rosemount officials also thanked the many agencies and organizations assisting throughout the incident, including the Rosemount Fire Department, Rosemount Police Department, Rosemount Public Works, Rosemount Administration, Apple Valley Fire Department, Farmington Fire Department, Lakeville Fire Department, the Minnesota State Fire Marshal's Office, MHealth Ambulance Service, and the Dakota County Sheriff's Office.
The city also expressed appreciation to Rosemount Culver's, nearby residents, and members of the church congregation for providing food, water, and other support to first responders and those affected by the fire throughout the day.
The cause of the fire has not yet been released, and the investigation remains ongoing.
Limitless Media will continue to provide updates as additional information becomes available.
Written By: Will Wight
