Photo: FFFD 11-13-2023 Fire
The Fergus Falls Fire Department responded at 6:31 PM on Sunday, November 12, 2023 to a reported fire at the Farmers Elevator, located at 406 East Junius Avenue. The elevator is located just Southeast of the city’s downtown.
Automatic Aid from the Elizabeth and Underwood Fire Departments was provided immediately. The fire was seen by responding police and fire personnel from several blocks away.
Upon arrival the grain dryer was engulfed in flames with fire impinging upon the wood constructed elevator. Crews from the first two engine companies established a water supply from a hydrant and began exposure protection of the elevator.
The ladder truck was deployed to conduct exposure protection of the upper reaches of the building. Initial smoke conditions were intense. Mutual aid was requested from Dalton, and additional ladder trucks from Breckenridge and Perham.
Due to the quick water application, there was no fire extension into the wood constructed elevator; however, it took time and personnel to clear the dryer of burning contents. Mutual aid crews assisted with opening the bottom and middle sections of the dryer to get the burning product out.
Fergus Falls crews were on scene for 5 hours, with mutual aid departments clearing the scene after approximately 2 1/2 hours.
At the onset of the incident a Smart911 Alert was sent to residence downwind of the fire to shelter indoors due to the smoke conditions. The request was lifted after about 2 hours.
The Otter Tail Valley Railroad placed a hold on train traffic, as fire crews were working near the rail line.
The Fire Department responded with 2 Engine’s, 1 Ladder Truck, 1 Rescue Truck, and 4 command staff.
At the peak of the incident there were 90 firefighters on scene or at the ready in staging; with mutual aid departments bringing an additional 6 engines, 5 water tenders, and 2 ladder trucks.
The fire is unintentional, resulting from drying soybeans.
Damage estimate is not yet available.
No injuries were reported.
The Fire Department was assisted by the Fergus Falls Police Department, Ringdahl EMS, Fergus Falls Public Works – Water and Street divisions, the Salvation Army, Otter Tail Power Company, Great Plains Natural Gas, Otter Tail Valley Railroad, Otter Tail County Sheriff’s Office – Communications, and the Elizabeth, Underwood, Dalton, Perham, and Breckenridge fire departments.