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Albert Lea Fire Rescue responded to a house fire Wednesday morning that was reportedly started from a camp-style fire in a tote on the main level of the home.

Firefighters were dispatched at about 7 a.m. to 809 W. Clark St. for a reported house fire. Employees of Jim and Dude’s noticed smoke coming from the building and called 911. Fire crews arrived on scene and found smoke coming from the house on all three levels. One person was in the house at the time of the fire and that person was exiting upon the arrival of firefighters.

According to a press release, the person had started a camp-style fire in a tote on the main level to stay warm. The fire burned through the tote and floor, then dropped into the basement, where it started other materials in the area on fire.  The fire extended into an outside wall and worked its way up to the second floor and attic space.

Fire crews worked on the scene for about two hours checking for fire extension. There were no injuries.

Albert Lea Fire Rescue reminds residents that starting a wood or other type fire in a house can be deadly. Not only can people lose control like in this situation, but the fire produces dangerous gases.

The Albert Lea Police Department and Mayo Clinic Ambulance Service assisted Fire Rescue on the scene.

The Albert Lea City Council at its meeting last week voted to demolish the house, and it was previously placarded as unfit for human habitation.

Albert Lea police stated the owner had approved the person being in the house. No citations were expected to be filed.