Crime & Safety
Fire At The Archer House River Inn In Northfield
The crews discovered the fire had already spread into the walls and ceiling of the 143 year old building.
November 13, 2020
A fire was reported at the historic Archer House at 212 Division Street S. in Northfield on November 12 at 3:37 p.m. The fire started in the kitchen area in a smoker. Fire crews from Northfield Area Fire and Rescue Service (NAFRS) responded and extinguished the kitchen fire. The crews discovered the fire had already spread into the walls and ceiling of the 143 year old building.
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The Archer House has received extensive damage from the fire that started yesterday afternoon.
Mayor Pownell states, “I extend the community’s deepest sympathy to the business owners and employees affected by this loss. The Archer House is a historic landmark in our downtown and riverfront. It is one of many iconic landmarks that has helped define Northfield for generations. As we look to the future I am hopeful because of the resiliency and generosity of our community and looking forward to the beauty that will come from the ashes.”
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Mayor Pownell further expressed her heart-felt gratitude to all of the first responders for their efforts and to their families. Northfield Fire, police and ambulance crews have been on scene all night and were assisted by fire crews from Faribault, Lonsdale, Randolph, and Farmington, and the Rice County Sheriff’s Office.
Fire crews from NAFRS have received mutual aid assistance from several local fire departments as they have battled the blaze throughout the night. As of 8 a.m. Friday, there is still an active fire in the building. There has been one minor injury to an employee, who tried to extinguish the initial fire, and one firefighter was transported to Northfield Hospital for an injury.
The area around the building is closed to vehicle and pedestrian traffic for safety reasons. Division Street is closed from Second Street to Fourth Street.
NAFRS will have more detailed information once the fire is extinguished.
This press release was produced by the City of Northfield. The views expressed here are the author’s own.