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Former Money Creek school damaged in five alarm blaze Monday, Nov. 17
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By Craig Moorhead
For the Caledonia Argus
A five alarm fire on Nov. 17 in Money Creek has done extensive damage to a former school building. The fire at 1521 Clinton Road was reported to the Houston Volunteer Fire Department shortly after noon last Monday, according to Houston Fire Chief Richard Carr.
Minnesota State Fire Marshal Steve Wolf said that the building, which had been converted into a residence, has been vacant “for a few years.” No injuries were reported in the incident.
The Houston Fire Department was the primary responder. Carr said that due to the time of day (when some volunteer fire fighters would not be available) and the size of the building, he immediately called for mutual aid assistance from Caledonia and Rushford. The full response by Houston, Rushford and Caledonia was aided by tanker trucks sent by Hokah and Ridgeway. The Houston ambulance service also responded, along with the Houston Police Department, Houston County Sheriff’s Office and Tri County Electric.
Carr explained that even though there were no injuries, the ambulance service is trained to assist fire fighters and stand by just in case they are needed. Tri County Electric was on hand to make sure that fire fighters would not come in contact with live wires.
Caledonia Fire Chief Chuck Gavin said that his department sent 13 fire fighters, a tanker, a pump ladder truck, air packs, and a rescue truck. The ladder truck was helpful in delivering water to the top of the fire, Gavin said. He said that the fire was most active in the attic and basement areas.
Carr said that a total of about 40 people aided in controlling the blaze. “We cleared the scene in about 6 hours,” he reported.
Wolf said that the incident is under investigation. He explained that forensic experts were examining the scene and that he was coordinating his efforts with insurance company investigators involved with the property. “We should know more next week,” he said.
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