A June 10 house fire on Tuttle Drive displaced a Hastings family, but quick action by the occupants, working smoke detectors, and a large response from area fire and emergency crews helped prevent any injuries.
The fire was reported Wednesday morning at 419 Tuttle Drive, where the Moran family, Ramon, Colleen, Margaret, and Molly, lived. According to information shared on a fundraising page for the family, everyone inside the home, including the family’s pets, made it out safely. The home, however, sustained major damage, and the family has been displaced while they begin the process of rebuilding. The Hastings Fire Department and Hastings Police Department responded Wednesday morning to the reported structure fire in the 400 block of Tuttle Drive. Fire and police personnel were first assisted by automatic mutual aid partners from the Cottage Grove Fire Department and Prescott Fire Department.
As crews worked to control the fire, conditions became more difficult. Due to intensive firefighting operations and a high heat index, a second alarm was requested at 9:44 a.m. That brought additional resources from the Inver Grove Heights Fire Department, Rosemount Fire Department, Miesville Fire Department, and Allina EMS.
At 10:26 a.m., additional assistance was requested from Inver Grove Heights, St. Paul Park, and Newport fire departments. An Advanced Life Support ambulance from Red Wing also responded to support firefighter rehabilitation efforts and help maintain emergency response coverage in the Hastings area.
In all, approximately 50 firefighters and EMS personnel from 10 agencies responded to the fire. The fire was brought under control at approximately 11:35 a.m.
The home sustained significant damage and has been deemed uninhabitable. The cause of the fire remains undetermined and is under investigation. No residents or emergency responders were injured.
The Hastings Fire Department said working smoke detectors alerted the occupants to the fire and allowed them to evacuate safely. The department used the incident as a reminder for residents to make sure smoke alarms are installed, working properly, and tested regularly.
For the Moran family, the safe escape was the most important part of a difficult morning, but the road ahead is expected to be long. The fundraising page says there is little left to salvage from the home, and the family is expected to be out of the house for at least nine to 12 months while they begin rebuilding.
“The Moran family of Hastings, MN (Ramon, Colleen, Margaret, and Molly) suffered the loss of their home to a devastating house fire on the morning of June 10th,” the page states. “Thankfully, everyone, including their pets, made it out safely, but there is little left to salvage from their home.” The page was organized by Grace Sieben, who identified the Morans as relatives. She described the family as “one of the most giving, loving, and faith-filled families you will ever meet.”
“Over the years, they have opened their hearts and home to so many others in need,” the page states. “Now, they are facing a difficult road ahead.” The fundraiser notes that while the family has insurance, it is not expected to cover all immediate and long-term expenses connected to the fire. The money raised will help replace essentials and cover unexpected costs as the Morans work to rebuild and find stability again.
The fundraising effort had raised $18,225 toward a $22,000 goal, with 171 donations listed.
The fire also came during a busy stretch for local emergency responders. While crews were working at the Tuttle Drive fire, four additional emergency incidents occurred within the Hastings Fire Service Area. Mutual aid partners helped cover those calls. Rosemount Fire Department and M Health Fairview EMS handled a motor vehicle crash in Vermillion Township. Allina EMS handled a medical emergency at the Dakota County Jail. M Health Fairview EMS handled a medical emergency in the City of Vermillion. Hastings Fire and EMS personnel also handled a motor vehicle crash in Ravenna Township.
The Hastings Fire Department thanked neighboring fire and EMS agencies for their assistance. The department also thanked the Hastings Police Department, Dakota 911, Dakota Electric Association, and the many residents who provided bottled water to support firefighters during the incident. The response showed how quickly one emergency can grow into a regional effort, especially on a hot morning when firefighters needed extra support. It also showed the importance of simple safety measures inside the home. In this case, working smoke detectors gave the family the warning they needed to get out safely.
For the Morans, the house may take months to be rebuilt, but the support around them has already started. Their family, friends, neighbors, and community members have begun stepping in, helping them move from the shock of the fire toward the first steps of recovery.