Date: October 4, 2018
Location: Hawley, Minnesota (USA)
Address: 400 Elevator Street, 56549
Type: Dust Fire
Fuel: Grain Dust
Industry: Grain Processing (Agriculture)
Equipment: Grain Dryer
Company: Hawley Coop Elevator
Database Incidents: None Recorded
Loss: No Injuries
Capital Cost: Unknown
Status: Open
Confirmation: Unconfirmed
Company Description:
According to the company website, Hawley Coop Elevator is a grain handling cooperative in Hawley, Minnesota. It was established in 1928 and presently has a small staff of fewer than 10 employees.
Incident Description:
On October 4, 2018, local news outlet KVRR reported a dryer fire at a grain elevator in Hawley, Minnesota. When a team of 10 firefighters and three engines arrived, it took them approximately 40 minutes to extinguish the fire.
The Fire Chief said that the cause appeared to be “dirty grain”, such as cobs and stocks, that heated up and ignited.
There were no injuries and no information about property damage was available.
Previous Incidents:
On January 29, 2015, Inforum reported a fire at the Hawley Coop Elevator main office area. The Hitterdal Fire Chief, whose crew provided assistance, said that a hot bearing in the boot of the elevator had burned the grain and produced smoke. There were no injuries and the damage to the elevator was said to be minor.
