At approximately 7:13 AM on Tuesday, December 5, 2017, the Central Dakota Communications Center received a report of smoke in an apartment building on the 500 block of Memorial Highway. The Bismarck Fire Department was dispatched to the scene. The first arriving fire crew reported nothing showing from the exterior and the occupants evacuating, the crew established command, pulled a fire attack hoseline, and went to investigate. Crews conducted a primary search of the building for occupants and confirmed that no one was inside. Investigating crews found smoke and flames in an apartment unit. Crews extinguished the fire and ventilated the building. Additional fire units arrived and assisted with fire attack, secondary search, extinguishment, ventilation, and overhaul.
Five Fire Department apparatus and 18 firefighters were dispatched to the scene. Bismarck Police Department assisted with scene control. Metro Area Ambulance was on scene to provide medical support. The apartment house was occupied at time of the fire. The cause of the fire is under investigation.