Shelter-in-place order for Wadena lifted
UPDATE 5/31/22: A shelter-in-place order for the entire city of Wadena has been lifted.
According to the Wadena Fire Department, crews were called to the Minnesota Valley Irrigation building just before 3 p.m. Monday for a report of a fire at a shop used for storage and equipment operations.
When crews arrived, they found heavy fire, and multiple agencies were called to assist the Wadena Fire Department.
Due to the chemicals being stored in the building, a shelter-in-place order was given.
While crews were fighting the flames, a tornado warning was issued, causing firefighters to temporarily evacuate and take shelter for about 30 minutes at the County Courthouse before returning to the scene.
The entire building was lost, and the cause of the fire is still being investigated.
Crews were at the scene until about 8 p.m.
No details were immediately provided regarding injuries.
INITIAL REPORT 5/30/22: A shelter-in-place order is in effect for the entire city of Wadena as emergency officials work to battle a fire involving hazardous materials.
According to the Wadena Police Department Facebook post, a fire broke out Monday afternoon at Minnesota Valley Irrigation in the city.
The Wadena Fire Department says hazardous material is involved and is urging people to shelter in place and avoid the fire scene. It is also recommending that people shut their windows and turn off their air conditioning.
Emergency officials say if sheltering in place isn’t an option, people can go to the gym at the Wadena-Deer Creek High School to stay safe.