Last updated: July 17, 2026, 6:22 p.m. CDT

Helix Apartments fire displaces residents in St. Louis Park

A large fire tore through the Helix Apartments in St. Louis Park, Minnesota, on Friday evening after crews were called to reports of smoke shortly before 4:50 p.m. No injuries had been reported by early evening, but extensive damage forced multiple residents from the building as firefighters from several agencies worked to contain the blaze.

The cause remains unknown and is under investigation. City officials said the Salvation Army was requested to assist people displaced by the fire.

The Full Story

St. Louis Park officials said crews responded to the Helix Apartments, located at 7500 Highway 7, after receiving a smoke report at 4:47 p.m. on July 17. Firefighters arriving at the complex encountered a large blaze, with flames later visible shooting through the roof.

Early information indicated that the fire may have begun on a third-floor balcony. The city stressed that this possible starting point had not been confirmed, and investigators had not announced what caused the fire.

Firefighters from multiple agencies remained at the scene into Friday evening. Aerial footage showed heavy damage across a large portion of the property, while residents were kept away from the affected building as crews continued their work.

Officials reported no injuries during the first public updates. The Salvation Army was called to the scene to support displaced residents, though authorities had not released an exact number of people needing temporary assistance or said when residents might be allowed to return.

Who's Involved

The St. Louis Park fire response included crews from multiple agencies, with city officials coordinating public updates about the emergency. Their immediate priorities were containing the blaze, accounting for injuries and securing the damaged property.

The Salvation Army was asked to help residents displaced from the complex. Fire investigators are also expected to examine the property once conditions allow, focusing on where the fire began and what may have ignited it.

The Helix Apartments complex was built in 1985. It underwent extensive renovations between 2020 and 2022, according to information cited in a news release about the property's sale in 2025.

By the Numbers

• 4:47 p.m.: Time the smoke report was received.
• 7500 Highway 7: Address of the Helix Apartments.
• Third floor: The balcony area identified as a possible, but unconfirmed, starting point.
• 0 reported injuries: The total announced during early Friday evening updates.
• 1985: Year the apartment complex was built.

What This Means

The lack of reported injuries was the most encouraging detail from the initial response, but the visible structural damage indicates that the disruption for residents could extend beyond Friday night. Apartments exposed to flames, smoke or firefighting water may require inspection before anyone can safely return.

For the displaced residents, the immediate concern is shelter and access to basic necessities. The request for Salvation Army assistance shows that local officials were preparing for residents to need support while the building remained inaccessible.

The possible balcony origin will be part of the investigation, but it should not be treated as a confirmed cause. Determining whether the fire began there, and what triggered it, will require a physical examination of the damaged area and information gathered from the scene.

What to Expect

Investigators will examine the cause of the fire after crews finish containing the blaze and the property is safe to enter. City officials are also expected to provide updated information about the extent of the damage, the number of displaced residents and whether any part of the complex can reopen.

Residents seeking current emergency information can follow the ongoing coverage from the Helix Apartments fire scene, the multi-agency response and city officials' latest updates.