Gene Avenue house is uninhabitable

The cause of a house fire earlier this month on Gene Avenue is still undetermined.

Albert Lea Deputy Fire Chief Jeffery Laskowske expects the cause of the fire to remain undetermined due to the extent of the damage, and said investigations have been completed.

Laskowske said property damage from the house fire Feb. 12 at 2201 Gene Ave. is estimated at $75,000 and personal damage is estimated at $40,000.

Albert Lea and Glenville firefighters battled the blaze that started in an attached garage and eventually spread to the kitchen area located near the garage. Firefighters were able to contain the fire to the area.

The house sustained substantial damage in its garage and smoke and heat damage to its main floor.

Ty Nielsen, who was inside the home at the time of the fire, left the house safely after the fire started.

His parents Lowell and Darcy Nielsen are the homeowners.

The Albert Lea Salvation Army assisted the family on scene, and the American Red Cross assisted the family with housing after the fire, the family said.

The house has been listed as uninhabitable.

Laskowske said major renovations will be needed before the family will be able to move back in.