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All residents displaced after apartment complex fire in Staples

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Staples Fire Department

The Staples Fire Department responded to a report of smoke coming out of the building on the 400 block of Second Avenue Northeast, just before 8 a.m. Feb. 28, 2026.

STAPLES — All residents of a 14-unit Staples apartment complex were displaced Saturday, Feb. 28, after a fire.

The Staples Fire Department responded to a report of smoke coming out of the building on the 400 block of Second Avenue Northeast, just before 8 a.m. Firefighters found a fire in an apartment on the third floor and evacuated the premises.

Crews fought the fire both inside and from the exterior, using ladder trucks to aid in their efforts.

Residents are receiving assistance from the American Red Cross.

The Staples Fire Department was assisted by the Staples Police Department, Todd County Sheriff's Office, Wadena County Sheriff's Office, Motley Fire Department, Verndale Fire Department, Wadena Fire Department, Long Prairie Fire Department, Lakewood Health Systems Ambulance and the Minnesota State Fire Marshal Division.

The cause is under investigation.

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