By Mondell Keck | The Brookings Register
BROOKINGS — A residential blaze just northwest of Brookings on April 26 caused an estimated $350,000 in damage and left two renters without a place to live.
The fire call came in at 5:06 p.m. from 2531 30th St. W. and drew a full-on response from the Brookings Fire Department and all six rural fire departments — Aurora, Bruce, Elkton, Sinai, White and Volga. The property is owned by Dan and Donna Miller of Brookings.
“The occupant reported observing a fire on the exterior of the residence, which subsequently spread into the interior of the structure,” Brookings County Assistant Sheriff Dave Biteler wrote in a news release. “All occupants and pets were safely out of the home prior to the arrival of fire personnel.”
BFD Chief Troy Hughes told The Brookings Register that 25 firefighters from the BFD responded.
“Upon arrival, (we) found the home heavily involved in fire,” he said. “Damage was heavy throughout the home, and all the utilities were disconnected. (The) house was not habitable.”
Biteler wrote that crews remained on the scene for approximately three hours, adding that the BFD is still investigating the cause of the fire.
Peter Boucher, the volunteer liaison for the Red Cross in Brookings County, said his agency has reached out to and is in contact with the renters. A meeting to assess their needs and a recovery plan is set for April 28.
In closing, Hughes said his crews spent several hours cleaning up and prepping equipment after returning from the fire and didn’t get home until late in the night on April 26.
“Mutual aid from Volga, Bruce, Sinai, Aurora, White and Elkton was greatly appreciated,” he said, adding that a Brookings Health System ambulance crew was also on scene to assist and provide rehabilitation for fire crews.
— Contact Mondell Keck at [email protected].
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