UPDATE: Two Brandondale homes destroyed by fire

Two mobile homes in Brandondale were destroyed by fire Wednesday night. According to a press release, Chaska Police and Chaska Fire responded to the fire call at 11:50 p.m. Wednesday.

The fire started in the mobile home located at 84 Thomas Lane. According to Fire Marshall Kevin Gravalin, a strong south wind pushed the fire rapidly causing it to spread to the home located just to the east as well.

"The fire was very intense," said Gravalin. Both homes are considered a total loss, Gravalin said. 

Gravalin did not have conclusive results as to what started the fire but said, "it appears it started underneath in the front of the house." 

Homeowner Mary Schmitt, of 84 Thomas Lane, was not home at the time of the fire. No one else was in the home. There were no injuries reported with the fire. Schmitt's loss is estimated to be about $40,000 with the home and her posessions, Gravalin said.

Because Schmitt lost everything in the fire and does not have insurance an emergency fund has been set up for her. Those interested in contributing to the fund should send checks to:

The Mary Schmitt Emergency Relief Fund at Community Bank Chaska, 706 Walnut Street. For more information about the fund, please call Community Bank Chaska at (952) 361-2265.