Duluth Fire Department Needs Help Now With Arson Investigation

Social media can be a powerful tool when local officials need help solving possible crimes, and the Duluth Fire Department is now hoping the power of social media can help solve a suspected arson case.

In Minnesota, arson penalties vary based on the degree of the crime and the circumstances. Arson in the first degree, which involves intentionally destroying a dwelling or knowing someone is inside, carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and/or a $20,000 fine, which can increase to $35,000 if the person knew or should have known someone was inside.

Other degrees of arson, like third degree, can result in up to 5 years in prison and a $10,000 fine. Fifth-degree arson, a misdemeanor, carries a maximum penalty of 90 days in jail and a $1,000 fine.

Duluth Fire Department Investigating A Suspicious Fire

According to a recent post on Facebook, the Duluth Fire Department is currently investigating a recent fire, and they need help.

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Duluth Fire Marshal Lisa Consie asked the public to come forward with any information that may lead to the identification of any persons who may have been responsible for a suspicious fire that occurred late in the evening of February 16, 2025, at 2226 W. First Street in the Lincoln Park neighborhood.

Officials say the fire rendered the two-and-a-half-story duplex a total loss and caused the roof and upper structure to collapse. The Duluth Fire Marshal’s office is actively investigating this fire, which is now suspected to be the result of arson.

Anyone with video, imagery, or other information that might further the investigation of the duplex fire is encouraged to call the Minnesota Arson Reward Project Hotline at 1-800-723-2020 to submit tips.

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Up to $5,000 may be rewarded to an individual who comes forward with information that leads to the prosecution of a person or persons responsible for this suspicious fire.

Even if you have no information to offer, you can still be a tremendous help by sharing this information on your social media pages. The more people who see this, the better the chance there is to catch whoever is responsible.

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These Common Household Items Are Now Banned In Minnesota

A hot topic lately is PFAS, or perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances, also known as "forever chemicals" because they are difficult for humans to detoxify and have half-lives measured in years. These chemicals accumulate in the body over time and can cause significant health issues even at low exposure levels

PFAS are commonly found in the environment and the human body and have been linked to a range of health concerns including increased cholesterol levels, potential disruption of hormone systems, reduced immune function, increased risk of certain cancers, developmental issues in children, and reproductive problems, particularly in pregnant women.

On January 1, 2024, Minnesota prohibited PFAS in firefighting foam and food packaging. The state is taking an even more aggressive stance against the chemicals in 2025.

According to the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, the first prohibitions of products containing intentionally added PFAS under Amara's Law (Minn. Stat. § 116.943) are now in effect in Minnesota, meaning you can no longer legally purchase these items.

If you're wondering if you already have products with intentionally added PFAS, you can take the following steps to be sure:

Check the label - Look for products that are labeled as PFAS-free.
Check for keywords - Look for words like "waterproof," "stain-repellent," or "dirt-repellant" on the tag.
Check for ingredients - Avoid products that contain ingredients with "perfluoro" or "fluoro" in their name.
Use a third-party verification service - Some organizations offer third-party verification of products that claim to be made without PFAS.

As of January 1, 2025, you can no longer purchase products with intentionally added PFAS in Minnesota. These products fall under the 11 categories below.

Gallery Credit: David Drew

Historic Minnesota Bank Transformed Into Home Has Now Been Sold

Duluth is home to some unique, rich-with-history homes, and it's always cool to check them out when they hit the market.

However, a home that hit the market at the end of August 2024 may be the most unique yet as it's the former historic bank building in Duluth's Morgan Park.

The 2,530-square-foot historic bank building was built in 1918, and over the past two years, it has been masterfully transformed into a turn-key private residence with one bedroom and five baths. All of the interior finishings and cabinetry have been custom-built or made to complete this transformation, along with the main floor bath, which includes a walk-in closet.

As much as the bank has been transformed, I think it's cool that they maintained some of the character of the bank including the original intact and functioning vaults with safety deposit boxes, gates, the original historic drinking fountain, and even a bulletproof glass overlook from the loft above. Did I mention the property includes 4 city lots and a 17,000-square-foot asphalt parking lot?

Other amenities include:

Walls that are at least 20" thick reinforced concrete
A lower level featuring high ceilings with additional living space and extra storage
A large drive-in basement garage with a huge workshop area.
An on-demand wall-mounted hot water tank inside
Finishing tuckpointing of the exterior bricks

You'll also love what they did with the 'Customer Vault'!

The home initially went on the market for $499,000, but it was sold in October for less than that asking price. Take another look through this cool property and see what they paid in the last picture.

Gallery Credit: David Drew