Fire Destroys Wolf Point Elevator

A huge fire, which could be viewed through many parts of Wolf Point, destroyed the grain elevator during the late morning of Wednesday, Dec. 10.

Wolf Point Volunteer Fire Department’s chief Clint Bushman reported that the blaze started off with containment and utility issues. “We we very aware of those less fortunate staying inside of the old office building attached to the south side of the elevator,” Bushman said. “We took it upon ourselves to do a quick search near the entrance and east side of the office and found no clue of anyone.”

The fire department then concentrated on containing the fire.

“The capability of a fire this size and nature can be extensive with the pathways laid out and materials we are dealing with,” Bushman said. “We had a single chimney that was fueled incredibly fast with the wind from Mother Nature and an old fuel type that was extremely flammable. These elevators can be a hazardous in many different ways and demand respect when it comes to dealing with them.”

The fire department closed down Front Street and contacted utility companies to get the power shut down as well as identify the location of any gas lines. The concern was that how crucial these power lines are, especially with the high school at the end. With freezing temperatures lately, turning off heaters and vital power to many people was a concern.

“Luckily, the elevator noticed our worry and fell mostly into itself and to the south barely leaving its own foundation,” Bushman said.