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Man and Dog Killed by Fire in Rural Wadena

By Derek Sidian Jan 30, 2026 | 10:58 AM

vero_ro39 / Depositphotos.com

Wadena, MN – A man is dead following a house fire in rural Wadena.

At around 7:40 Thursday night, the Otter Tail County Sheriff’s Office received a report of a structure fire in rural Compton Township, west of Wadena. The Wadena, Bluffton, Deer Creek, and Henning Fire Departments assisted in putting out the blaze.

Upon arrival, emergency responders located a 73-year-old male unresponsive inside the home. Life-saving measures were administered at the scene, and the man was transported to Astera Hospital, where he later succumbed to his injuries. In addition to the loss of life, the family’s dog was found deceased in the structure.

Deputies say the residence is a total loss. The cause of the fire remains under investigation by the State Fire Marshall’s Office and the Sheriff’s Office, but is believed to be non-suspicious in nature.

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