Minneapolis Fire Chief John Fruetel says the children died at the scene in north Minneapolis Friday morning. Fruetel says five residents were taken to hospitals.
Asst. Fire Chief Cherie Penn says via email that one of the more than 40 firefighters who responded to the scene is being treated at a hospital for a minor injury.
Fruetel says firefighters encountered heavy smoke and fire on the second and third floor of the duplex as they searched the building for victims and survivors. Firefighters rescued and provided medical care for several people at the scene.
The blaze was extinguished in about 2½ hours.
Fire officials say 15 people lived in the duplex.
