The sole victim in last month’s fire at Larson Commons Apartments in Cloquet has died as a result of "complications of thermal injuries and smoke inhalation" sustained during the fire, according to a press report from the Hennepin County Medical Examiner.
Nancy Carlson, 70, was initially treated by paramedics at the scene of the June 13 fire and transported to Essentia Health with what authorities called "severe injuries." The medical examiner's report said she died while under care at Hennepin Healthcare on Thursday, July 8.
The Cloquet Area Fire District initially responded to a report of a fire with a victim possibly trapped in the building at 9:30 a.m., a June 14 news release said. Upon arrival, crews forced entry into the apartment and found the residence full of smoke with zero visibility.
RELATED: Cloquet apartment fire results in one 'severe injury'
Crews successfully extinguished the fire, limiting it to the individual apartment, with Carlton Fire and Ambulance, the Carlton County Sheriff’s Office and the Cloquet Police Department assisting at the scene.
ADVERTISEMENT
In a June 16 news release, CAFD said the cause of the fire appeared to be smoking related and launched a campaign urging the community to talk with friends and family who smoke about fire safety.
“This is a tragic situation," Sarah Buhs, CAFD public education coordinator, said in the release. "We do not want anyone else in our community to suffer through anything like this. But you can help."
CAFD had no further comments or information to provide on the matter Wednesday, July 14. According to the medical examiner's report, the State Fire Marshal is currently investigating the case.
