Arson fire forces residents from St. Paul apartment building

John Thoreson climbed out a second-story window and jumped into the arms of strangers while a fire blazed outside his apartment door Friday night. Another resident tied together bed sheets and lowered himself from the third floor. And now they’re wondering why someone would intentionally threaten their lives.

St. Paul fire investigators have determined that a fire Friday night at 1668 Hamline Ave., just south of Larpenteur Avenue was arson. No arrests have been made, but the case is being pursued aggressively.

“When somebody sets fire to an occupied apartment building, they’re trying to kill somebody,” said St. Paul Fire Marshall Steve Zaccard. “There were no serious injuries or fatalities. But this easily could have been a fatal fire.”

The fire department was called to the 11-unit building just before 10 p.m. Friday night. Before they arrived, at least two residents escaped on their own. About 40 firefighters searched the building and helped five other adults get out, including three people who were trapped on upper floors and climbed down on ladders.

Thoreson was sitting his kitchen paying bills, he said, when he smelled smoke. He initially thought it was his oven, but soon discovered smoke swirling through the cracks around his living room door. The fire had been set in the entryway and by the time residents realized what was happening, he said, flames and smoke blocked the hallway and exits.

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