Evacuation order lifted in northwest Minnesota town following a grain elevator fire

Almost 200 residents were asked to evacuate the town of Shelly on Friday after a grain elevator caught on fire, possibly due to lightning.

According to the Norman County Sheriff’s Office, the order to evacuate was issued on Friday, around 9:50 a.m. due to chemicals located in a building near the elevator.

The additional building also caught fire, creating concerns for others’ health due to the burning chemicals in the air.

Shelters were opened for residents at the Shelly Museum and in the City of Halstad for those fleeing the town.

By 1 p.m. Friday, the evacuation order was lifted, but residents were asked to avoid spending too much time outside after returning. Additionally, a water boil advisory was issued after the city experienced a power outage during the fire.

The sheriff’s office said it could take until early next week before the boil advisory could be lifted.

The Minnesota State Fire Marshal arrived in Shelly on Friday to investigate the fire.

While a cause of the fire has not been officially determined, the sheriff’s office said early indication is that it may have been caused by lightning.

No injuries have been reported.
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