Photo courtesy Rainy Lake Gazette
One person is now confirmed dead following a fire at a houseboat rental business on Rainy Lake, east of International Falls.
Officials say the body of an 85-year-old woman was discovered after firefighters from International Falls and Littlefork battled the blaze at Northernaire Houseboats for more several hours.
A building that served as an office and a home was destroyed.
Two other people, now identified as a 51-year-old woman and a 12-year-old girl, were taken to Rainy Lake Medical Centre before the 51-year-old was airlifted to another high-level trauma facility.
Officials say she had tried to reenter the home to rescue her mother.
Her condition is not immediately known.
The 12-year-old remains in Rainy Lake Medical Center in stable condition.
Two firefighters were also taken to the hospital for treatment of heat exhaustion and dehydration.
Both were later released and reported to be in good condition.
Four others suffering the same symptoms were sent home but did not need hospital treatment.
The cause of the fire is still under investigation.
The preliminary findings point to it being accidental.
Officials with the Minnesota State Fire Marshal’s Division arrived on the scene late last night and were continuing their investigation today.
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