Norman County, MN — A grain elevator fire believed to have been caused by a lightning strike led to an early morning evacuation in northwestern Minnesota on Friday, disrupting power, water service, and prompting health advisories.
Fire Reported Before Sunrise
According to the Norman County Sheriff’s Office, the blaze was reported at around 5 a.m. at a privately owned grain elevator. Investigators determined the fire may have been sparked by lightning during overnight storms.
“The investigation determined that the fire may have been started by a lightning strike,” the sheriff’s office told Bring Me The News.
A nearby building containing hazardous materials also caught fire, increasing concerns for public safety.
Evacuation Order and Hazard Concerns
Authorities issued an evacuation order for the surrounding area due to concerns about air quality and hazardous material exposure. While the order was lifted by 1 p.m., officials still encouraged residents to stay indoors for the remainder of the day.
Key safety actions taken included:
- Air quality monitoring before lifting evacuation orders
- Advising residents to limit outdoor activity due to lingering smoke
Impact on Water and Power Supply
The fire caused a power outage, which in turn led to the city’s water supply losing pressure. This forced officials to issue a boil water advisory until further notice.
Residents are urged to:
- Boil water before drinking, cooking, or brushing teeth
- Continue precautions until the advisory is officially lifted
County Roads 3 and 18 were also temporarily closed during the incident but have since reopened.
Community Urged to Remain Cautious
While no injuries were reported, the fire’s impact on infrastructure and public health remains a concern. The sheriff’s office has not yet provided an estimate for when the boil water advisory will end.
Officials say the incident serves as a reminder of how severe weather events, such as lightning strikes, can quickly escalate into public safety emergencies.
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