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The state fire marshal investigation into the cause of a fire that destroyed a pole building, between North Branch and Stacy, and killed two men has ended and the final report is that the cause of the fire could not be determined.  

The report was initiated March 5 when firefighters got a call of smoke and a fully involved fire was spotted at the building, about 6:15 p.m.  

Responders came upon a victim just inside the door to the pole barn.  A state fire marshal representative arrived about an hour later, based on a request communicated by the North Branch Fire Chief.  The second deceased fire victim was discovered later as firefighters cleaned up hotspots in the opposite end of the burned building. 

The fire origin is described as “accidental” in the state report. 

Cause of death for the two men, ages 56 and 43,  is attributed to inhalation of products of combustion and thermal injuries.

The state calculates that the year 2023 has seen 19 deaths due to fire,  and in 2022 Minnesota had the most fire deaths since 1995, at 70.

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