Leech Lake Housing Authority offices destroyed in fire Monday

CASS LAKE — The Leech Lake Housing Authority offices in Cass Lake were destroyed in a fire in the early hours of Monday, Sept. 1.

The building is a total loss, and no injuries were reported, according to the Leech Land Band of Ojibwe.

The band said the cause of the fire is under investigation.

Housing staff are working to establish temporary operations so services can continue for band members. The band said it will share updates as soon as they are available.

The Cass Lake Rural Volunteer Fire Association said it was on scene for more than nine hours. It was called out to the fire just after 2 a.m. Monday.

Responders found heavy smoke with no visible fire. Firefighters made multiple attempts to search the inside of the building but could not locate the fire. The department said its push was limited due to safety reasons, as only three interior firefighters were available.

The building did not have sprinklers, according to the department, and firefighters worked to control the fire from the outside.

A total of 20 firefighters with five vehicles responded to the fire. The Bemidji Fire Department, Leech Lake Ambulance, Leech Lake Police and Minnesota State Fire Marshal Division also responded.