2 children rescued from townhome fire in Vadnais Heights

VADNAIS HEIGHTS, Minn. — Two children were pulled from a fire in a townhome in the north metro Saturday evening. 
Officials say the call came in around 5:40 p.m. and the Vadnais Heights fire department responded. Four other departments also were on scene to provide mutual aid. 
Two children were pulled from the residence. Additionally, an adult and another child were able to escape the townhome. All four were taken to the hospital. At this time their condition is unknown. 
The townhome sustained extensive damage and officials say it’s a total loss. 
Neighbors say a mother lives in the home with her three kids: a baby and two others under 10.
“She was banging on neighbors’ doors trying to get some help,” said Lachaela Brown, who also lives in the townhome complex. “Some of the neighbors did come out with their extinguishers and tried to help with putting the fire out.”
Gail Broadus is a neighbor and friend who says she speaks to the mother daily.
“It’s really sad because she’s a good girl,” Broadus said. “Her kids play out here. It just hurts, you know what I’m saying? It just hurts, and I’m sorry it happened.”
A relative who stopped by the home Sunday told WCCO she believes the family will be OK.
“I’m really sad I couldn’t help her because I know if it had been me, she would’ve been here,” Broadus said.
The Vadnais Heights Fire Department is investigating the cause.