ESTHERVILLE — A massive structure fire north of Estherville drew firefighters from across the region Tuesday afternoon, as crews battled thick smoke, internal explosions, and a collapsing roof to bring a commercial-sized shop fire under control.
The emergency call went out at approximately 4:12 p.m. for a property located at 1485 385th Avenue. When Estherville Fire Department officers first arrived on the scene, the situation was already critical. Heavy smoke was pouring from the eaves of the large shop, and the north-central portion of the roof was visibly sagging, showing signs of an imminent collapse.
The battle grew more difficult within minutes. Just as Estherville’s main pumper was being positioned to attack the blaze, the roof gave way. The collapse provided the fire with a sudden burst of oxygen, leading to increased fire involvement and forcing a shift in strategy.
Given the rural location and the lack of nearby hydrants, Fire Chief Travis Sheridan and his team faced a significant logistical challenge: water supply.
“Because of the rural location, water shuttling operations became the primary method of water supply,” the department noted in a statement. This required a massive coordinated effort, with the Emmet County Sheriff’s Office and Estherville Police Department clearing the way for a constant rotation of water tankers.
As the fire grew, the intensity was fueled by the building’s contents, which included vehicles, machinery, and various flammable materials. The situation turned even more dangerous when multiple explosions were heard inside the structure, making it impossible for fire crews to enter the building.
Recognizing the scale of the “fire load,” Estherville Incident Command called for reinforcements from throughout the region. The Wallingford, Gruver, Spirit Lake, and Dunnell Fire Departments all rushed to the scene to provide additional water and manpower.
The firefight lasted well into the evening. Crews remained on the scene for five hours, using heavy equipment provided by local resident Jeff Tirevold to peel back debris, conduct overhaul operations, and extinguish stubborn hot spots.
Despite the intensity of the blaze and the repeated explosions, Chief Sheridan confirmed that no injuries were reported among the emergency responders or civilians.
The shop and its contents are considered a total loss. The cause of the fire remains under investigation by the Estherville Fire Department.
Assisting Agencies:
* Fire: Estherville, Wallingford, Gruver, Spirit Lake, and Dunnell Fire Departments.
* Law Enforcement: Emmet County Sheriff’s Office and Estherville Police Department.
* Medical/Support: Estherville Ambulance, Emmet County Dispatch, and Jeff Tirevold (Heavy Equipment).
(TOP PHOTO via EFD.)