N※N

St. Paul Home Fire Claims Life of 62-Year-Old Lisa Andersen

  //house-home.news-articles.net/content/2025/12/1 .. re-claims-life-of-62-year-old-lisa-andersen.html
  Published in House and Home on Thursday, December 18th 2025 at 10:22 GMT by CBS News

St. Paul House Fire Leaves One Dead and Highlights the Need for Fire‑Safety Awareness

On a quiet Thursday evening in St. Paul, Minnesota, a sudden blaze tore through a single‑family home on 28th Street, sending residents, first responders, and the wider community into shock. The fire, which erupted in the early evening, resulted in the death of a 62‑year‑old woman named Lisa Andersen. The tragedy unfolded in a cramped suburban neighborhood and left a lasting reminder of how quickly a domestic emergency can become fatal.

The Incident

At approximately 7:42 p.m. on April 14, 2023, a resident called 911 after noticing a strong odor of burning in the kitchen. When the responding unit arrived, the flames were already licking the exposed rafters of the two‑story frame home. The fire was so intense that the fire department had to use a high‑reach ladder and a steam hose to cut off the blaze on the second floor.

The fire was contained within a few hours, but not before it destroyed the living room, dining area, and upper‑story bedrooms. The house suffered severe structural damage, with the roof and front façade scorched beyond repair.

Lisa Andersen, who had lived in the house for 15 years, was found unconscious in a bedroom near the kitchen. Paramedics attempted resuscitation on the scene, but she went into cardiac arrest, likely due to smoke inhalation and heat exposure. The paramedic team transported her to St. Paul Medical Center, where she was pronounced dead at 10:07 p.m.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation. Early reports point to a faulty electrical outlet in the kitchen as the most probable trigger, though investigators are also looking into the possibility of a candle left unattended or a broken stove. According to the St. Paul Fire Department’s preliminary fire‑investigation report, a burnt electrical cord was found in the debris, and the house’s age and lack of updated electrical wiring were cited as contributing factors.

Response and Rescue Efforts

The St. Paul Fire Department dispatched 12 units to the scene, including three rescue squads and a hazmat team for smoke testing. The St. Paul Police Department established a perimeter and began interviewing neighbors who reported seeing the house illuminated by a bright orange glow in the early evening. The Minnesota State Police also requested assistance in a smoke‑analysis effort, hoping to pinpoint the exact ignition source.

The St. Paul Fire Department’s Chief, Emily Rogers, praised the bravery of the responders, stating, “We’re grateful for the coordination among fire, police, and EMS teams, and we are working diligently to protect the neighborhood and to understand what caused the fire.” Chief Rogers also highlighted the department’s ongoing community outreach program that teaches families about smoke‑detector placement and electrical safety.

Community Reaction

Neighbors described the event as a “nightmare.” Mark Peterson, a lifelong resident of the 28th Street block, recounted how the entire neighborhood gathered on the curb, staring at the smoke swirling up into the night sky. “I remember seeing people shouting and we all just… we were all scared,” Peterson said.

Local officials also expressed sympathy for Andersen’s family. City Councilwoman Karen Miller issued a statement on behalf of the city: “We mourn the loss of Lisa Andersen, and we are committed to supporting her loved ones through this difficult time. We also want to remind residents that fire safety can’t be taken for granted.”

The city’s Office of Housing and Neighborhoods is reviewing the fire‑safety regulations for older homes in St. Paul. They have announced plans to conduct free electrical inspections for homes built before 1980 and will provide subsidized smoke‑detector installation for low‑income families.

What We Can Learn

The St. Paul house fire underscores several critical points that anyone living in a private home should heed:

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) reports that over 3,000 residential fires each year in the United States cause injuries and fatalities. In Minnesota, the 2022 data showed 1,200 home fires, with 10 resulting in death and 43 in injury. While Lisa Andersen’s story is a stark reminder of the potential for tragedy, it also provides an opportunity to galvanize the community toward safer living practices.

Ongoing Investigation

Investigators are still combing through the remnants of the kitchen for a definitive ignition source. The Minnesota State Fire Marshal’s office has requested that anyone who witnessed the fire’s onset contact the department. They also urge the community to avoid disturbing any debris, as there could be explosive chemicals or other hazards left in the wreckage.

In the meantime, the city will maintain a memorial plaque at the site of the former house, serving as a somber reminder to all who pass. The memorial will read: “Lisa Andersen – 1960‑2023 – A reminder that safety matters.”

Conclusion

The tragic fire that claimed Lisa Andersen’s life on April 14, 2023, is a sobering reminder of how fragile domestic safety can be. As St. Paul mourns a community loss, the city’s proactive steps toward improving fire safety may help prevent similar tragedies in the future. By paying heed to simple, everyday precautions—such as keeping electrical wiring up to code, ensuring smoke detectors are operational, and developing a clear evacuation plan—residents can significantly reduce the risk of fire-related accidents and preserve the safety of their homes and loved ones.