OLV Fire (Fergus Falls Fire Department)
Fergus Falls, MN – New details have been released regarding the fire at Our Lady of Victory Church Tuesday morning (January 14th).
The Fergus Falls Fire Department responded to a report of a fire in the office area of the church at around 9:04 a.m. Fergus Falls Fire Chief Ryan Muchow says fire alarms went off throughout the building, including the connected Our Lady of Victory School. Students and staff evacuated the building and were relocated to Kennedy Secondary School with the assistance of the Fergus Falls Police Department and Ottertail Minn-Dakota Coaches, where they ultimately reunified with parents/guardians.
Upon arrival, firefighters encountered heavy smoke in the office area and emanating from the roof. They deployed hose lines to both the main level and the basement to confine the fire, which involved an enclosure surrounding the facility’s generator exhaust venting. The fire breached the enclosure, causing increased fire conditions and and suppression challenges. Ultimately, the firefighters were able to remove wall and ceiling material and the roof decking to fully extinguish the fire.
One firefighter suffered a laceration injury due to falling debris, though they were treated onsite by Fire Department medical staff and remained on the scene.
Muchow says there was significant structural fire damage to portions of the church office and the sanctuary sustained smoke damage. The fire doors between the church and school kept smoke damage in the school to a minimum. Overall, the damage is likely to exceed $500,000.
The fire originated with an enclosure surrounding the facility’s generator exhaust venting; however, Muchow says the investigation continues in cooperation with the church’s insurance company, the State Fire Marshal’s Office, and the Fergus Falls Fire Department.
During the incident, firefighters cover furnishings and equipment in the office to protect them from both fire damage and actions taken to extinguish it. Fire Department staff worked with representatives from the church and school throughout the incident to ensure preservation of documents and develop a plan for operations after the fire. The Fire Department was on scene for four hours, operating in subzero temperatures.
“We give thanks to Christ that all students and staff were evacuated safely and unharmed,” Father Lucho Palomino said in a statement on Facebook. “Blessings to the Fire Department, law enforcement, volunteers and all who assisted and will continue to assist with this event.”
The Fire Department was assisted by the Fergus Falls Police, Pulbic Works, and Engineering Departments, the Elizabeth, Underwood, and Foxhome Fire Departments, Ringdahl EMS, Salvation Army, Ottertail Power Company, Great Plains Natural Gas, and the State Fire Marshal’s Office. Muchow and the Fire Department say they are grateful for the assistance by all responding agencies and church staff.
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