Staff photo by Fritz Busch New Ulm and Hanska firefighters were called to a basement fire at the home of Congressman Brad and Jackie Finstad, rural New Ulm July 7. All occupants escaped the residence. Nobody was injured.

Three fire calls

reported July 7

By Fritz Busch

Staff Writer

NEW ULM — The New Ulm Fire Department responded to three fire calls Wednesday, July 7 including in a basement fire at the home of Brad and Jackie Finstad.

Fire calls were also answered at the New Ulm Medical Center and a rural trailer fire.

Firefighters were dispatched to report of heavy basement smoke at 3:49 p.m. at the home of Congressman Brad Finstad and his wife Jackie in rural New Ulm.

All occupants escaped the residence. The fire originated in a basement bedroom and was contained there, according to a fire department press release.

“Thankfully, Jackie and the kids were able to exit the home with our family pets. No one was injured,” said Brad Finstad in a news release. “The fire was quickly contained thanks to the actions of the New Ulm and Hanska Fire Departments. I am incredibly grateful for their swift response and the assistance of Brown County Sheriff Jason Seidl, New Ulm Fire Chief Paul Macho and New Ulm Police.”

The fire was under control within 20 minutes. Firefighters were on scene for about 90 minutes. No injuries were reported. Smoke damage was heavy to the rest of the basement. Smoke detectors were present and in working condition.

The cause of the fire is under investigation. New Ulm firefighters were assisted by Hanska firefighters and the Brown County Sheriff’s Office.

“The past few days have been a reminder of how blessed we are to live in a wonderful community like New Ulm,” Finstad said. “The kind prayers and outpouring of support from friends, family, and neighbors have been overwhelming. From myself, Jackie, and the entire Finstad family, thank you.”

New Ulm firefighters were dispatched to the New Ulm Medical Center, 1325 5th St. N. at 5:21 p.m. for reported lab area smoke. Firefighters discovered a heating ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) motor caused the smoke. Firefighters were on scene for about an hour. No injuries were reported.

New Ulm firefighters were dispatched at 8:35 p.m. for a trailer fire at Shirley’s Park, 17434 Lakeside Road. A trailer was filled with smoke but the occupants were out.

Damage was heavy to the trailer. No injuries were reported. The fire cause was determined to be electrical. Crews were on scene for about an hour. Hanska firefighters and the Brown County Sheriff’s Office assisted.