ELMIRA — Crews remain on the scene Monday night after a fire significantly damaged parts of a family-owned potato farm on U.S. 131 near Elmira.
A call came in at 10:30 a.m. and the Star Township fire department was the first on the scene at the Kitchen Farms complex in Antrim County. Crews from fire departments in Charlevoix, Kalkaska, Montmorency and Otsego counties were also called in to battle the blaze according to Jeremy Scott, deputy administrator for Antrim County.
Scott said a preliminary investigation shows that the fire likely started during construction work on a farm building. He added that no injuries to firefighters, farm employees or the construction crew have been reported.
He said the fire marshal has determined that seven buildings on the farm have been lost in the fire. There were no chemicals inside the burning buildings and there wasn't a warning issued about hazardous chemicals or materials.
"We did issue a shelter in-place order for those living within one mile of the farm just to keep people out of the smoke," Scott said.
As of late afternoon on Monday, Scott said the fire was basically out.
"They have made the determination they won't be able to save any of the buildings and will allow those to burn out," he said.
Firefighters will remain on the scene to make the sure the smoldering ruins burn out.
The fire prompted authorities to close U.S. 131 between Alba Highway and M-32 around midday.
According to the website Michigan Potatoes, Kitchen Farms is a fourth-generation potato farm located in Elmira that is operated by Don Kitchen and family. The farm grows over 1,200 acres of potatoes each year — including Russet, white, yellow and red varieties — that can be found in major retailers across the state.
May 18, 2021 at 05:18AM
https://ift.tt/2RpqPm1
Fire contained after burning 7 buildings on potato farm in Antrim County - Gaylord Herald Times
https://ift.tt/2rh4zOj
Potato
No comments:
Post a Comment