Fire at Kozy Bar building in Duluth is the second in 6 months
Another fire happened at the Pastoret Terrace, which was home to the former Kozy Bar and apartments, on Sunday, marking the second fire at the historic building since the spring.
The Duluth Fire Department responded at 9:50 a.m. to the fire at 129 E 1st St. to find smoke coming out of the second-floor windows and the roof, a statement from city spokesperson Kate Van Daele said.
In an update Sunday afternoon, Van Daele said firefighters were working to gain access to the building to "put out any hotspots and ensure there are no life safety issues inside."
The cause of the fire is under investigation, with the city planning to provide an update on Monday. Meanwhile, people were asked to avoid the area because the water used to fight the fire made nearby sidewalks and streets icy.
This is the second fire at the building since May when a small was reported at the building. It is suspected arson. However, no arrests have been announced in connection to the blaze, the Star Tribune says.
The building itself has been uninhabited since it was severely damaged in a fire in 2010, WDIO reports. The city-owned building was set to be demolished earlier this year, but that was put on hold due to a court challenge from the building's former owner who seeks to save the building, the Duluth News Tribune states.
Last week, the city's Economic Development Authority approved $135,000 construction contract for court-mandated maintenance on the building until its fate is decided, WDIO adds. The Duluth City Council is slated to vote on the contract on Nov. 8.
