Aug. 5, 2026

Helix Apartments fire inspection reports
Fire inspection reports for the Helix Apartments are provided below. It’s important to note that the St. Louis Park Fire Department’s investigation of the July 17, 2026, Helix Apartments fire found no connection to items for correction noted on fire inspection reports. When reviewing the reports, note the following.

How to interpret the reports

•  The previous reporting system used for fire inspections reports required entering “yes” or “no” for passed, which appears at the bottom of the reports. If any corrections were required after initial inspection, then the report showed “not passed” or “no.” This did not mean the property failed the inspection; it only meant that items were identified to be corrected. This is very common – almost no buildings on initial inspection have no items noted for correction and reinspection.
• On reinspection, even if all corrections noted in the initial inspection were made, the initial “no” noted by “passed” might not have been changed to “yes.” What’s important to note is the column showing the date items were corrected. In the “Violations” section of the fire reports, the dates/times represent the Repaired/corrected timestamp of when the correction was validated as addressed by the inspector. The “Documents” header correlates to associated pictures attached on the report.
• 7450 Hwy. 7 is the address used to reference the Helix Apartments complex as a whole, although the complex is technically three addresses: 7400, 7450, and 7500 Hwy. 7.
• It’s very common for both fire and rental inspections to identify areas for correction. Compliance is the overall goal of the city’s fire and rental licensing inspections, to protect life and safety and to ensure quality housing.

About the reports
The reports provided show that all issues found during the 2025 point-of-sale inspection, including fire inspection issues, were corrected. To detail:

• Point of sale corrections noted 6/25/2025 were corrected by 11/12/2025, with the majority being completed earlier as shown in the righthand “Corrected Date” column of the document
• The fire inspections reports provided represent two inspection cycles, as multifamily residential properties are inspected every two years. The most recent fire inspection cycle took place 6/25/2025, with re-inspections 9/10/25 and 10/28/2025. All corrections were made by 10/28/25, shown in the “Repaired” column of the corresponding reports.
• All corrections noted during rental license inspections have been completed and there are no outstanding corrections related to the rental license inspections.

Fire inspection reports

• 7400 Highway 7 Point of Sale Corrections 6-25-2025
• 7450 Hwy 7 Fire Inspection 06-25-2025
• 7450 Hwy 7 Fire Inspection 09-10-2025
• 7450 Hwy 7 Fire Inspection 10-28-2025
• 7450 Hwy 7 Fire Inspection 04-29-2024 
• 7450 Hwy 7 Fire Inspection 10-17-2023
• Certificate of Occupancy 7400-50 Hwy 7

July 30, 2026 

St. Louis Park Fire Department provides summary of Helix Apartments fire investigation findings
The St. Louis Park Fire Department has completed its origin-and-cause investigation into the July 17, 2026, Helix Apartments fire. While the final investigation report is expected to be completed by mid- to late-August, the following summarizes the findings regarding the fire’s area of origin and cause.

• Investigators identified the origin as being in the area of a balcony serving a fourth-floor apartment.
• The investigation was complicated by the extensive fire damage in the area of origin, which limited investigators’ ability to identify a specific ignition source or sequence of ignition.
• Based on the information and physical evidence available at the conclusion of the fire department’s investigation, the specific cause of the fire is classified as undetermined.
• The classification of the cause as undetermined does not indicate suspicious circumstances, but rather that the available evidence was insufficient to establish one specific cause.
• An undetermined cause does not mean investigators were unable to reach any conclusions. Evidence may allow investigators to determine that certain potential causes are not supported, even when the damage prevents them from identifying the exact ignition source.
• Investigators found no evidence indicating that the fire was intentionally set or that it resulted from improperly discarded smoking materials or cooking-related activity, including the use of a grill.
• The undetermined classification may be reconsidered if material new information or evidence becomes available.

The St. Louis Park Fire Department consulted with the Minnesota State Fire Marshal’s Office throughout the investigation. The written investigation report will be provided on this page once available, expected to be mid- to late-August. Additional examinations may be conducted by investigators representing the building’s insurance carrier, which is common following significant fire losses. The St. Louis Park Fire Department and the City of St. Louis Park has no further information to share on the investigation at this time. Read the incident report.

July 27, 2026

Over the weekend the Red Cross met with numerous households and individuals affected by the Helix Apartments fire at its temporary service center at St. Louis Park Middle School, with more appointments made for later for those unable to  meet this weekend. While the Red Cross has closed the temporary service center and returned its operations to their Minneapolis offices, intake workers are available to handle additional cases as they arise. Anyone in need of assistance can call 1.800.RED.CROSS (1.800.733.2767). Residents are strongly encouraged to make an appointment and meet with the Red Cross, even if their immediate needs are being met. Connecting with the Red Cross will ensure they are kept informed of future resources that may be available.

July 24, 2026 

American Red Cross service center open July 24, 25 and 26; displaced residents encouraged to meet
From 8 a.m. - 7 p.m. on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, July 24-26, the American Red Cross will provide a service center at Field House 3 & 4 at St. Louis Park Middle School, 2025 Texas Ave. S., St. Louis Park for any displaced resident who needs assistance. The Red Cross has obtained a list of residents through the Helix property management and is reaching out directly to offer service center appointments. 

Residents are strongly encouraged to make an appointment and meet with the Red Cross, even if their immediate needs are being met. Connecting with the Red Cross will ensure they are kept informed of future resources that may be available.

July 23, 2026

American Red Cross shelter transitions to information and service center July 23-26 
As of 7 a.m. July 23, the American Red Cross shifted from providing a shelter to providing an information center at Field House 3 & 4 at St. Louis Park Middle School, 2025 Texas Ave. S., St. Louis Park. The information center will be open through 7 p.m. July 23.

From 8 a.m. - 7 p.m. on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, July 24-26, the American Red Cross will provide a service center at the same location for any displaced resident who needs assistance. The Red Cross has obtained a list of residents through the Helix property management and is reaching out directly to offer service center appointments.

Building access status 
Following the July 17 fire, the city's Building Official inspected the affected Helix Apartment buildings. The 7500 building has been posted as uninhabitable and will remain closed until restoration work is completed and all required inspections have been successfully passed. 

The 7400 and 7450 buildings have been determined to be structurally safe to access. However, residents cannot reoccupy their units until the damaged fire doors have been replaced. Property management has advised that the replacement doors have been ordered and are expected to arrive within 7–14 days. Installation of all replacement doors is anticipated to take approximately two additional weeks. Property management has also indicated that they will not permit residents to return until the buildings and individual units have been cleaned and confirmed to be free of smoke particulates. 

While the city has not restricted residents from entering the 7400 and 7450 buildings to retrieve personal belongings, access to this private property is ultimately controlled by the building owner and property management. At this time, the building owner is not allowing resident access due to safety concerns. 

Although the 7500 building has been posted as uninhabitable, the city’s Building Official has indicated a willingness to allow limited, escorted access for residents to retrieve essential belongings from units that have been determined to be safe to enter. The Building Official has offered to provide property management with a list of units that could be eligible for this limited access. Any such access, however, must be approved and coordinated by the building owner and property management.

Free legal help for renters is available through Home Line or call the tenant hotline at 612.728.5767. HOME Line provides free and low-cost legal, organizing, education, and advocacy services for tenants.   

July 20, 2026

On July 17, 2026, at 4:47 p.m. St. Louis Park firefighters along with numerous agencies from around the metro responded to a fire at the Helix Apartments in the 7500 block of Hwy. 7. The fire investigation is ongoing.

Approximately 90 units on the west side of the complex were destroyed. The east side of the complex had light smoke damage and was turned back to the property management company July 18. Property management will be communicating with residents on the timeline for re-entering and re-occupying those units. As of July 19, control of the entire complex was returned to the property management company.

The American Red Cross opened a shelter Saturday at St. Louis Park Middle School for displaced residents. The St. Louis Park Emergency Program (STEP) is providing supplies including clothes, food, hygiene products, baby items, and more. Make a monetary donation to STEP for food, clothes, gas gift cards and diapers. The city is grateful for the partnership of these agencies in caring for residents – and for the generous, spontaneous response of the community to gather supplies for their neighbors.

Going forward, the city’s role will be to work with the property management company as they determine next steps for clearing the site, returning residents to habitable portions of the building, and potentially rebuilding the damaged portion of the building; and supporting resource coordination efforts made by the property owner, insurers, relief organizations, and other service providers.

July 18, 10 p.m.

The St. Louis Park Emergency Program (STEP) will be open Sunday, July 19, 11 a.m. - 2 p.m., for families and individuals who were impacted by the Helix Apartments fire and are in need of supplies, clothes, food, hygiene product, baby items, and more. Enter through the main door/lobby area: 6812 W. Lake St., St. Louis Park.

July 18, 2026, 6:45 p.m.

The American Red Cross has established a temporary shelter for Helix Apartments residents who are unhoused because of the July 17 fire. Residents should report to Door 6 on the northwest corner of St. Louis Park Middle School, 2025 Texas Ave. S., St. Louis Park. A staff person will check you in. Shelter and meals will be provided, along with on-site social workers to help with recovery from the fire.

July 18, 2026

The fire department is continuing to monitor the Helix Apartments in St. Louis Park for potential rekindling of the fire that occurred July 17, 2026. The cause of the fire is under investigation and has not yet been determined.

At last estimate, the fire destroyed approximately 90 units in the west side of the Helix Apartments. Units on the east side of the building had light smoke damage and have been turned back over to the apartment property management company. Property management will be communicating with residents on the timeline for re-entering and re-occupying those units.

Property management is in contact with residents in both buildings by text and email. If you are a Helix Apartments resident and need support or assistance, be sure to respond to these communications to be directed to resources.

Many community members have asked how to help. The St. Louis Park Emergency Program (STEP) is providing resources for displaced residents, along with other agencies. Make a monetary donation to STEP for food, clothes, gas gift cards and diapers. The city is grateful for the partnership of agencies in caring for residents and will continue to monitor those efforts in the event additional resources are needed.

Note: In the days and weeks to come, independent fundraisers are likely to appear through various online donation platforms. Please exercise caution to be sure the request is legitimate and your money reaches the intended recipient. Here are some tips to ensure a fundraiser is legitimate.

July 17, 2026, 8:30 p.m.

As of 8:30 p.m., the fire is under control at the Helix Apartments in the 7500 block of Hwy. 7 in St. Louis Park. Crews continue extinguishing remaining hot spots and conducting overhaul to ensure the fire is completely extinguished. One person was transported to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries, and two firefighters were treated on scene for heat-related injuries.

The American Red Cross and The Salvation Army are assisting displaced residents with shelter and immediate needs. Information regarding the number of displaced residents or when residents may be able to return to the building is not yet available. Approximately 90 apartment units were affected by the fire. A damage estimate is not yet available.

Approximately 20 mutual aid fire departments assisted in the response. Hennepin EMS and North Memorial Ambulance provided EMS support during the incident. The Hennepin County Fire Investigation Team has responded and will assist the St. Louis Park Fire Department with investigating the cause of the fire, which remains under investigation. Additional updates will be provided as more information becomes available.

July 17, 2026, 5:30 p.m.

On July 17, 2026, at 4:47 p.m. St. Louis Park firefighters responded to a report of smoke at the Helix Apartments in the 7500 block of Highway 7. On arrival, crews found a working fire. Initial reports indicated the fire started on a third-floor balcony, but this has not been confirmed. Firefighters from multiple agencies are working to contain the fire. The Salvation Army has been requested to help with displaced residents. No injuries have been reported at this time. The cause of the fire is unknown and will be under investigation.

During the July 17 fire, the city's priority was to put out the fire and to ensure people were safe.

Going forward, the city’s role is as follows:

• To support resource coordination efforts made by the property owner, insurers, relief organizations, and other service providers. This has included:
  • Directing available resources it learns about to partner agencies such as STEP to share with impacted residents, including coworking spaces and apartment referrals.
  • Leveraging its contacts to identify potential rental vacancies in the area, then sharing those with STEP to share with impacted residents.
  • Communicating with the American Red Cross and STEP to compare the needs they’re seeing and the needs the city is hearing about, in order to identify any gaps where more coordination or support is needed.

The Helix Apartments are private property. The city has been and will continue to work with the property management company as they determine next steps for clearing the site; returning residents to habitable portions of the building, and potentially rebuilding the damaged portion of the building. 

How does the city maintain its fire hydrants?

In the Helix Apartments fire incident report, a fire hydrant at the corner of Pennsylvania Avenue South and 37^th Street was found to be inoperable. Although the inoperable hydrant required firefighters to establish a water supply from a different hydrant, there is no indication that the temporary disruption affected the overall outcome of the incident.

• This hydrant was inspected and operable in May 2026. However, hydrants may experience unexpected mechanical issues due to wear, pressure variations or environmental factors.
• On inspection following the July 17 report of the hydrant being inoperable, staff found the hydrant’s bottom seat broken apart, a failure that appears to have happened since its May inspection. The hydrant will be returned to service once repaired; parts are on order.
• The City of St. Louis Park currently maintains and monitors 1,791 hydrants – 1,512 city‑owned and 279 privately owned.
• The standard maintenance program includes annual inspection and operation each May; fall freeze checks to ensure no standing water remains inside hydrant barrels; pumping and rechecking any hydrants with detected water to confirm no leaks; and annual summer leak study checking the entire watermain system, including hydrants.

What is being done to secure the Helix Apartments site?

During the July 17, 2026, fire and immediately after, the St. Louis Park Police Department was on site at the Helix Apartments for traffic and scene control. The apartment complex was released to the property owner and management on July 19; questions about the specifics of securing this private property should be directed to property management. The police department continues to patrol and monitor the area and will respond to reported issues as they would to any private property.

As of July 21, the St. Louis Park Police Department has received six burglary reports from the Helix Apartments following the July 17 fire, all of which are active investigations. As residents are regaining access to their units, more reports of stolen property and fraud are being received. Anyone who believes they have had property stolen at the Helix Apartments should report it to the St. Louis Park Police Department at 952.924.2600.

How was pet rescue handled during and after the fire?

The city and the fire department understand the concern about pets who may have remained inside the Helix Apartments during and after the fire. Every reasonable attempt was made to recover these pets while also considering the safety of personnel, contractors, residents and volunteers. On July 17 during the fire, structural instability required firefighters to leave the building for safety reasons. On the morning of July 18, volunteers and animal rescue organizations placed live traps in strategic locations based on reported sightings. Some pets were retrieved this way; the live traps were then relocated for additional retrieval attempts.

Once the apartment complex was released to the property owner and management on July 19, access to this private property and additional pet recovery efforts have been coordinated by property management. The city has continued to stay in close communication with the property management and their contractors who are working to secure the building. They have confirmed the measures they have been taking to locate any remaining missing pets reported to them by displaced Helix residents. 

Any additional questions about pets that may remain unaccounted for, and ongoing recovery efforts, should be directed to property management. Any pet owner who is missing their pet and feels property management isn’t responding can contact the city or fire department.

The community partnership team of the Animal Humane Society (headquartered in Golden Valley, Minn.,) has been in contact with the American Red Cross to monitor the needs for pets and pet owners impacted by this fire. Any pet owner who needs help can contact the Pet Helpline at 952.435.7738 or online for advice and resources.

• While the the temporary service center has closed, Red Cross help is still available. Call 1.800.RED.CROSS (1.800.733.2767) for assistance. Residents are strongly encouraged to make an appointment and meet with the Red Cross, even if their immediate needs are being met. Connecting with the Red Cross will ensure you are kept informed of future resources that may be available.
• The St. Louis Park Emergency Program (STEP) is providing supplies including clothes, food, hygiene products, baby items, and more.
• The Refugee Resettlement Program at the Minnesota Department of Human Services is available to help clients with assistance or connection. Clients can call 1.800.814.4806 and leave a voice message 24/7 in their preferred language to receive a call back during helpline hours.
• Free legal help for renters is available through Home Line or call the tenant hotline at 612.728.5767. HOME Line provides free and low-cost legal, organizing, education, and advocacy services for tenants.   
• To receive mail, the USPS has issued information that mail for residents of the 7400 and 7500 buildings will be held at the St. Louis Park Post Office, 2700 Louisiana Ave. S., until normal mail delivery can resume. Residents can pick up their mail during regular retail business hours by presenting a valid photo ID. 
• The St. Louis Park Fire Department offers an "After the Fire" packet to help with the steps needed to recover after a fire.
• The Coven St. Louis Park is offering free coworking space through Aug. 31, 2026, for displaced Helix Apartment residents. Contact The Coven to reserve space.
• Any pet owner who needs help with their pet can contact the Animal Humane Society Pet Helpline at 952.435.7738 or submit a form online for advice and resources. See the FAQ section for more information about pets.

The city is grateful for the partnership of these agencies in caring for residents – and for the generous, spontaneous response of the community to gather supplies for their neighbors.