Farmers Co-op Elevator Fire

During the early morning of Wednesday, September 21, 2016, the Farmers Co-op Elevator in Kennedy burned to the ground, shocking the community and local farmers.

Since the towns in this region are dependent on agriculture, the loss of a grain elevator can be devastating. However, the destruction could have been far worse, had it not been for the tireless efforts of volunteer firefighters from twelve area departments. They contained the blaze and kept it from spreading to other buildings by repeatedly dousing nearby structures with water. They also went door to door to awaken and warn homeowners to monitor their property, where ash and embers were raining down. As a result of their work and professionalism, no one was hurt during the course of the night, and damage beyond the elevator was limited to a few cracked windows and some bubbling paint caused by the fire’s extreme heat.

At the time of this writing it is approximately 36 hours since the fire broke out, yet firefighters maintain their vigil at the site, ready to address any rekindling flames. They have had little rest, and as volunteers, they have been juggling their firefighting duties with those of their “real jobs.” Still, they remain.

All of them deserve our thanks and gratitude for a job well done! They include members of volunteer fire departments from Kennedy, Hallock, Karlstad, Lake Bronson, Lancaster, Stephen, Argyle, Warren, Drayton, St. Thomas, Pembina, and Cavalier. And, we must also thank the Kittson County Volunteer Ambulance Service and the Drayton Ambulance Service who were present and stood at the ready, the Farmer Store and the Kittson County Salvation Army, who provided beverages and lunch to the emergency workers, and the Minnesota Highway Patrol, which diverted traffic so the emergency responders could do their work. Thanks so very much to each and every one of you. Our gratefulness and appreciation are beyond words.

Sincerely on behalf of the residents and business owners of Kennedy,

Kennedy Mayor Todd Truedson and Kennedy Fire Chief Aaron Kirkeby