(KNSI) – At least six units of a storage complex on the south end of Clear Lake caught fire Wednesday morning at about 11:00.
Approximately 25 firefighters responded, staying on scene for over four hours. Fire Chief Ron Koren mentioned to KNSI News that a structure fire automatically triggers a call to both the Becker and Clearwater Fire Departments. Elk River also sent over a rehab truck.
Koren doesn’t know what caused the blaze. Sherburne County and the State Fire Marshal are investigating the scene while there is still sunlight. He works in Clearwater and says he was the second person to arrive. He witnessed heavy smoke billowing across the roadway, which led Koren to make the call to shut down Highway 24. Traffic was diverted beginning at Church Street in the downtown area.
Koren was proud of the response, saying the fire got knocked down quickly. Given Clear Lake’s close relationship with neighboring departments, he believes they work well together on scene. The units that burned are a total loss, though.
Some of the contents that caught fire include lawnmowers and other seasonal yard equipment or decorations. Koren notes one unit did have a vehicle inside. With the damage, he couldn’t say what the make and model was.
This was the first structure fire of the year for the Clear Lake Department, which covers the city and surrounding township, an area of 75 square miles.
___
Copyright 2025 Leighton Media. All rights reserved. This material may not be broadcast, published, redistributed, or rewritten, in any way without consent.
FOLLOW US FOR INSTANT UPDATES!
FOLLOW US FOR INSTANT UPDATES!