Three Year Old Dies in Duluth Township House Fire
August 26, 2008 — A late night fire in Duluth Township claimed the life of a three year old girl. The victim was identified as Sarah Johnson. The child's grandmother, 52 year old Catherine Solem, who was babysitting at the time, received smoke inhalation and a leg injury while three year old Heidi Johnson, the victim's twin, was treated for smoke inhalation. The girls' six year old brother, Alex, was also treated for smoke inhalation. Firefighters from Clifton, Normanna Township, Lakewood Township and Two Harbors were dispatched to the fire on the West Knife River Road around 10:40 p.m. They found the house fully engulfed in flames. St. Louis County Sheriff's officials credit Solem for saving the two children. According to Undersheriff Dave Phillips, the grandmother was able to push open a bedroom window and get the six year old boy to safety. She was also able to locate one of twins and got her out of the house. Sadly, the grandmother was not able to locate the other girl.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation by the Minnesota State Fire Marshal's Office and the St. Louis County Sheriff's Department. Arson and foul play have been ruled out. The house was considered a total loss. A family dog also perished in the blaze.