Ellsworth, Minnesota — A machine shed, several tractors, equipment, and some round bales were all destroyed in a fire fought by two Minnesota and two Iowa fire departments on Thursday, January 9, 2025, near Ellsworth, Minnesota.
According to Ellsworth Fire Chief Terry De Beer, at about 6:10 a.m., the Ellsworth Fire Department was called to the report of a machine shed fire at 152 200th Avenue, three miles west of the south side of Ellsworth or three miles east of Rock Rapids, five north, another east, and another half a mile north. While fire departments from Nobles County Minnesota and Lyon County Iowa fought the fire, the farm is actually just into Rock County, Minnesota.
The chief says the fire department saw the machine shed fully engulfed as they approached the scene. He says they used an exterior attack to fight the fire.
De Beer says no injuries were reported to people, pets, or livestock.
The fire department was assisted by the Adrian, Minnesota; and Rock Rapids and George, Iowa fire departments.
He says the cause of the fire is undetermined, but the building and its contents were destroyed. The chief tells us the building contained machinery and tools, including multiple tractors, a hay chopper, a baler, a feeder wagon, and more. According to De Beer, 50-75 round bales of various types, including corn stalks, grass hay, and bean stubble were located next to the building and were also destroyed.
He says the 30-40 firefighters who responded were on the scene for nearly twelve hours.
(stock file photo)
