State fire marshal investigates New Ulm fire

Published 12:12 pm Tuesday, July 5, 2011

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — At least one state fire marshal will help investigate the New Ulm fire that killed six people, despite the government shutdown that has closed the fire marshal’s office.

Fire swept the Bohemian bed-and-breakfast early Saturday, killing four adults and two children. Family and friends say that the victims include the inn’s owner, Bobbi McCrea, and her daughters, 15-year-old Abby and 3-year-old Savannah.

Minnesota Department of Public Safety spokesman Doug Neville says although the fire marshal’s office was included in a government shutdown, a contingency plan was in place should an emergency situation occur. A state duty officer summoned a Minnesota fire marshal to New Ulm.

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Nearly three dozen members of the volunteer New Ulm Fire Department fought the fire which was spotted by a passer-by about 2 a.m. Saturday.