While on routine patrol, a Minnesota State Trooper observed heavy smoke and fire coming from a residence located north of Dunvilla on US Highway 59 (north of Pelican Rapids).

The Trooper located a detached garage fully engulfed in flames. This initial fire had spread to a detached garage on the property. The first garage was a total loss, and the second garage has moderate damage. A nearby pickup and fish house also sustained damage during the fire. The garage fire was believed to have started from a burn barrel that the homeowner was burning garbage in. Leaves and debris caught fire around the burn barrel and spread to the detached garage. No injuries were reported at the time of the incident.

Other responding units included Vergas Fire Department, and the Otter Tail County Sheriff’s Office.