Woman, 2 dogs dead in Ely fire

ELY — A woman and two dogs are dead after a fire late Tuesday evening.

According to a news release from the Ely Fire Department, firefighters were dispatched at 11:08 p.m. to a report of a fire at a two-story, single-family home at 254 N. Fifth Ave. E.

Upon arrival, firefighters saw thick smoke and flames coming from the rear of the home. It was unclear if occupants had evacuated, the fire department said. A search team entered the residence but was forced back due to heavy heat and smoke.

Following rapid initial fire suppression, additional firefighters entered the building and located a woman. She was transported to Ely-Bloomenson Community Hospital and was later pronounced dead at the hospital, the news release said. Two family dogs also died.

The name of the victim has not yet been released.

Authorities were notified that another occupant was potentially in the home, but after multiple searches, no other people were found, the fire department said. The fire was extinguished and no other structures were impacted.

The Ely Police Department, Ely Area Ambulance Service, Babbitt Fire Department, Morse Fall Lake Fire Department and St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office also responded.

The Ely Fire Department, Ely Police Department and State Fire Marshal’s office are investigating the fire.

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