Lightning is the primary suspect behind a structure fire that destroyed six garage units and multiple vehicles on Sunday, June 17, 2018.

Firefighters worked 9:32 to 11:30 p.m. to combat heavy fire conditions and multiple car fires at Pioneer Village Apartments, 2114 Village Drive. After the fire was controlled, crews remained until 12:30 a.m. Monday, June 18, ensuring that all hot spots were managed and no more fires would break out.

Red Wing Fire Department was assisted in their response by Ellsworth Fire, Goodhue Fire and the Red Wing Police Department.

Extreme heat complicated conditions and several firefighters were treated for heat exhaustion on site, Red Wing Fire Chief Shannon Draper said in a news release. The heat index was 100 degrees Fahrenheit that night and firefighters could only work for short periods before needing to remove their heavy equipment. Because more respondents came to help, firefighters were able to rotate out and continue the work of managing the fire.

One Red Wing firefighter was transported to the hospital for a heat-related condition. This person, who was not identified, was treated and released a few hours later.

Red Wing Fire Department responded to four other unrelated emergency calls in Red Wing during this structure fire.

Though lightning is likely to have caused the blaze, and several lightning strikes were spotted around the area at that time, the official cause of the fire is under investigation.