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Council acknowledges Helix Apartments fire, urges donations and thanks emergency responders
Summary
Council members and a representative described the July 17 Helix Apartments fire that displaced more than 100 people, thanked fire crews and relief partners, and urged donations to the city's STEP emergency fund.
Council members opened the meeting by acknowledging the July 17 fire at the Helix Apartments near Highway 7 that displaced more than 100 residents. A council representative said, "Over a 100 people lost their homes and their belongings in a matter of hours on Friday evening," and thanked Saint Louis Park Fire Department personnel and more than 20 assisting departments.
Speakers noted immediate community responses: temporary shelter at Saint Louis Park Middle School set up by the Red Cross, a volunteer drop-off station, and STEP opening an emergency assistance point. A council speaker urged residents to contribute online through STEP: "Please consider making a contribution to STEP as soon as you can." Officials said some pets remain missing and several people face ongoing hardship.
The council also publicly thanked Chief Peter Hanlon and firefighters for their response; one council member described firefighters working “up very high on the ladders in really, intense heat” and noted several personnel suffered heat exhaustion but that everyone was evacuated to safety. Staff and community organizations are coordinating short-term shelter and donations.
