Wadena Unites: Community Rallies After Death in Tragic Apartment Fire

Firefighters battled heavy flames and subzero temperatures, facing frozen trucks and equipment as they worked through the night to contain the deadly Wadena apartment fire. Crews were still on the scene Monday morning as a crane worked to remove pieces of the roof to allow water access to quench the blaze.  Above, later Monday afternoon, the battle against the blaze ended, leaving the apartment complex encased in ice.

by Trinity Gruenberg

trinity@inhnews.com

An apartment fire in Wadena on Sunday night, February 16, killed one resident and displaced 12 others. 

The Minnesota Department of Public Safety State Fire Marshal division is assisting after the deadly fire which occurred at 123 Bryant Avenue SE in Wadena.

Crews were called to the scene at 10:46 p.m. and found heavy flames coming from an upstairs window.

One person was found deceased. The individual was taken to the Midwest Medical Examiner’s Office, which identified the deceased as David Henrichs, 68, of Wadena. At this time, no foul play is suspected in Henrichs’ death.

Seven residents were evacuated from an apartment building next door to the fire site, 115 Bryant Avenue SE. The residents were allowed back into their residences on Tuesday morning after the scene was deemed safe by the Wadena Fire Department.

Temporary housing was provided for the 12 displaced residents at the AmericInn of Wadena on Sunday and Monday.

Subzero temperatures and windchills made firefighting more difficult, causing four trucks and two ladders to freeze up. Crews were on the scene until Monday afternoon....

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