Fergus Falls Fire Department Responds to Monday Morning Fire

Shortly after 8:30 in the morning Ottertail County Sheriff’s Department received a call about a fire on the 900 block on North Buse Street in Fergus Falls, Minnesota.

Sergeant Kevin Sonstebo who was on the scene stated,

“Dispatch received a report of attached garage that was on fire”.

The garage was attached to a home of licensed childcare.

The children and care provider exited the home immediately, without injury, and were provided a warm location at a neighboring home.

Upon the arrival of the Police and Fire Department, black smoke and fire was showing from the overhead door of the garage.

Within 15 minutes of arrival, emergency crews confined the fire to the attached garage.

Fire crews also conducted overhaul on the wall between the house and the garage to ensure there was no extension into the home, which there was not.

Fergus Falls Fire Department responded extinguishing the flames quickly putting the fire out completely.

Fire crews conducted a search of the home and were able to reunite the homeowner with their dog.

Sergeant Sonstebo added,

“Everybody’s out of the residence, all the animals are accounted for”

Upon investigation by the Fire Department, the cause of the fire is unintentional.

The adult working in the garage was later evaluated by EMS on scene for smoke inhalation and reported minor burns.

The home had light smoke damage throughout, while the garage had significant fire damage.

One of the homeowners was conducting personal small engine repair work in the garage, when gasoline was accidentally spilled.

The fumes were rapidly ignited by a running propane heater on the garage floor.

The Fire Department was on scene for approximately 2 hours and responded with 3 Engine’s, 1 Ladder Truck, 1 Rescue Truck, and 4 Command Staff.

Damage is estimated at $60,000.

The Fire Department was assisted on scene by the Fergus Falls Police Department, Ringdahl EMS, Great Plains Natural Gas Company, Otter Tail Power Company, and the MN State Fire Marshal’s Office.

Story by Zakk Daniels KBRFRadio.com News