18-year-old Woman Charged After Saint Paul Apartment Fire
Photo by Saint Paul Fire Department
An 18-year-old Saint Paul woman faces a felony charge for negligent fires after allegedly causing an apartment unit to burn, displacing 30 residents earlier this month.
According to the criminal complaint, on July 8th, 18-year-old Aisha Wali Abdulle was on her way to a party with a group of friends when they stopped at the apartment building so one of them could grab some items from inside. While one friend was inside, Abdulle lit a firework and threw it in the grass, starting the grass on fire. One of the other friends tried to put the fire out, but was unsuccessful and called 911. The fire then spread into a tree before catching the apartment on fire.
Firefighters attempted to extinguish the flames from the inside of the building, but one firefighter fighting the blaze said they were unable to get water from fire hydrants due to construction in the area where water lines are being replaced.
The fire spread rapidly, forcing firefighters to exit the building and fight from the outside.
Saint Paul Fire Deputy Chief Roy Mokosso said more than 60 firefighters fought the blaze for more than five hours. All 17 units inside the structure were condemned and said to be a total loss. 30 occupants of the building were displaced and being assisted by the American Red Cross.
VIDEO: The scene of the blaze Saturday
Firefighters say some residents were able to return to their units to retrieve valuables after the fire was extinguished. No injuries to civilians or firefighters were reported.
The fire department says the structure and content damage is estimated to be more than $2 million.
Abdulle is charged with one felony count of negligent fires which carries a maximum sentence of three years in prison. She was charged via summons and is scheduled to make her first court appearance on August 7th.
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