FERGUS FALLS, Minn. (KFGO) – Fire departments from 6 communities battled a fire at the Farmers Elevator, just southeast of downtown Fergus Falls Sunday night. A large grain dryer was engulfed in flames and threatened a wooden elevator.
The fire, at 406 East Junius Avenue, was reported around 6:30 p.m. The fire could be seen by responding firefighters and police from several blocks away.
Fire departments from Elizabeth, Underwood, Dalton, and additional ladder trucks from Breckenridge and Perham responded to assist Fergus Falls firefighters
Crews from two engine companies and a ladder truck poured water on the elevator to keep the blaze from spreading.
Fire Chief Ryan Muchow says crews had to open the bottom and middle sections of the dryer to get the fire out and it took some time. A 911 alert was also sent to residents living downwind of the fire to shelter indoors due to the smoke. It was lifted about two hours later. Otter Tail Valley Railroad put a stop on train traffic because firefighters were working near the rail line.
The fire was caused by drying soybeans. There were no injuries and a damage estimate is not yet available.
