Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

The Albert Lea Fire Department and the Minnesota State Fire Marshal’s Office are investigating two separate fires that took place early Tuesday morning.

The first, which was reported to dispatchers at 1:35 a.m., happened at 720 Minnesota Ave.

According to the Albert Lea Fire Department, the fire was reported by a neighbor, and when crews arrived they found fire coming from the rear eaves of the home and heavy smoke on the second floor.

Crews extinguished the fire on the second floor, but the fire had caused significant damage to the flooring material.

A press release stated the entire house was searched, and no one was found to be home.

Crews worked at the scene for about two hours extinguishing hot spots, which were difficult to get to because of the collapse potential of the floor.

Damage was estimated at $15,000.

Anyone with information on the owner of the property should contact the fire department at 377-4341.

The second fire, at Countryside Motel, 2102 E. Main St., was reported at 5:13 a.m. on the roof.

When firefighters arrived, they found smoke coming from the east most unit of the complex. Crews worked to remove the ceiling in two units to gain access to the fire in the attic space.

All tenants of the motel in that wing were evacuated, and no injuries were reported.

Crews were on scene for approximately an hour putting out hot spots.

Assisting at the scene were the Albert Lea Police Department and Mayo Clinic Ambulance Service.