Saint Paul Fire Safety orders fire alarm fixed; saves residents, building hours later

On Tuesday, Sept. 8, 2026, Fire Safety Inspectors with the Saint Paul Department of Safety and Inspections called to an apartment building at 904 Rice Street for a water issue noted the fire alarm system to be non-functional. 

The inspectors emphasized the severity of the issue with building management, ordered 24-hour fire watch, and ensured there was a plan to repair the alarm immediately.
Inspectors confirmed the fire alarm system was fully operational at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 9. At approximately 2 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 10, the alarm successfully detected a fire, alerting residents and the fire department. The fire was extinguished quickly and there were no injuries reported, according to a City of Saint Paul press release.
"Had the alarm not activated, the fire would have quickly spread throughout the building. Residents’ lives and the structural integrity of the building would be at serious risk.
The damage sustained from the fire has rendered the building unsafe to occupy. Saint Paul Fire, Safety and Inspections, and Red Cross staff are working with building management to ensure residents have a place to stay."
The cause of the fire is under investigation by Saint Paul Fire and Saint Paul Police. More information will be released as it becomes available.