Fire, explosion at Larson Manufacturing
Brookings firefighters battle a blaze at Larson Manufacturing this afternoon.
Fire Chief Darrell Hartmann says they were called out at about 3:30 p.m. for what was initially reported as a tree on fire. He says it was actually the building on fire and it spread to a tree.
Hartmann says the fire was in a portion of the building that was being remodeled and the roof replaced. He says crews were able to quickly knock the fire down and prevent it from spreading.
While firefighers were at work, a water extinguisher super heated and exploded. Hartmann says the firefighters’ protective gear kept them from being injured.
He says there was damage to one wall, to some equipment and to some construction materials.
Hartmann says the fire may have been caused by construction welding but it’s too early to say for sure.