Burnsville Shooting Range Damaged in 3-Alarm Fire

August 1, 2012 · TCFW

July 31 - At least six fire departments were called to the scene of a fire at a shooting range in Burnsville Tuesday night. Crews are still working at the scene around 1 a.m.

Burnsville firefighters were called to the Burnsville Rifle and Pistol Range at 14300 Ewing Ave. S. around 8 p.m.

Engine 1 arrived to find smoke showing from the roof of the one-story commercial building. A second alarm was called almost immediately.

The crew from Engine 1 deployed an attackline through the front door and secured a water supply on the B-side of the building. Engine 2, supplied by Savage Engine 11, was set up on the D-side of the building.

Crews battled the smoky fire for about 20 minutes before moving to a defensive attack. According to scanner traffic from the scene, crews encountered intense heat and were unable to ventilate the structure due to its concrete construction.

Engine 2′s elevated master stream was placed into operation to knock down fire that was showing from a large roof vent.

Once the volume of smoke decreased and turned lighter, command resumed an interior attack.

A third alarm was sounded around 9 p.m. and dozens of firefighters from Apple Valley, Burnsville, Eagan and Savage cycled through the building performing overhaul and ventilation efforts.

Just after midnight, Farmington and Lakeville firefighters were also requested to the scene for assistance.

Burnsville Fire Marshal Lee LaTourelle told Twin Cities Fire Wire that customers were inside the range shooting when they saw smoke coming from the padded walls at the rear of the building. He said they escaped without injury.

In January 2011, several fire departments were called to a working fire in a Maple Grove shooting range.