At the Masjid Hamza Al-Mahmood Foundation early Monday, Dec. 8, 2025. via Prior Lake Fire Department
A fire tore through a mosque in Prior Lake early Monday, heavily damaging the Masjid Hamza Al-Mahmood Foundation building after flames broke through the roof within minutes of the first 911 call.
A neighbor reported the fire at 2:22 a.m. at 5995 Timber Trail SE, and Prior Lake firefighters arrived at 2:29 a.m. to find the structure already burning through the top of the building.
Fire crews entered the mosque and began working both inside and outside, but advancing flames forced firefighters to withdraw. Part of the roof collapsed as the fire grew, according to city officials. The building had been searched shortly after crews arrived and no one was inside. Officials said there were no injuries to the public or firefighters.
Departments from Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community, Savage, Shakopee, Jordan, Elko New Market and Lakeville assisted at the scene as crews worked to bring the fire under control. The building sustained significant damage as firefighters continued defensive operations.
Officials said the cause of the fire is under investigation. Because the structure is a religious institution, the State Fire Marshal and the ATF are conducting a full investigation. Authorities have not released additional details about where the fire began or what may have caused it.
