Severe Weather Hampers Firefighting Efforts in Wadena as Crews Battled Warehouse Blaze Monday

(KNSI) — The all clear has been given, and people can open their windows again after a fire at a warehouse in Wadena on Monday.

The Wadena Fire Department was called to Minnesota Valley Irrigation at about 3:00 p.m. Crews arrived to find a large fire burning in an area of the building used for storage and equipment. Part of that storage was for chemicals, and officials decided to issue a shelter in place order due to potential chemical exposure. Residents were told to stay indoors, close their windows, and shut off their air conditioners.

Severe weather hampered firefighting efforts, and a tornado warning was issued at about 6:00, prompting an evacuation of firefighters from the site. They were ushered into the Wadena County Courthouse for safety.

Ultimately, the air quality was not deemed hazardous, and everyone was allowed to return to their homes.

The building is considered a total loss. The cause is under investigation.

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