Lake Park fire destroys warehouse

A fire last Wednesday morning at the ARCO Dehydrating plant in Lake Park destroyed the facility's warehouse. Only minor damage was done to the adjacent buildings. (contributed photo)

According to Lake Park Fire Chief Brandon Ehret, the department was called to ARCO Dehydrating at 6:14 a.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 9. The plant is located at 12 South 3rd Street in Lake Park.

When firefighters arrived, flames were visible in a warehouse on the west side of the pellet mill building. "Firefighters began to protect adjacent structures that were within feet of the building," said Ehret. "Mutual aid was called from five departments including Spirit Lake, Arnolds Park/Okoboji, Milford, Harris and Ocheyedan."

The firefighters contained the blaze to the warehouse, and only minor damage was reported to two adjacent buildings. The warehouse and its contents were completely destroyed. No one was at the plant at the time of the fire.

The Lake Park fire department was on the scene until 2 p.m. last Wednesday putting out hot spots.

"The Lake Park Fire Department would like to thank the many businesses and individuals of the community that brought food and refreshments for all the firefighters and everyone helping on the scene," said Ehret.

The Iowa State Fire Marshal's Office has ruled the blaze was accidental starting in the engine compartment of a skid loader parked in the center of the warehouse.

Along with the five departments called for mutual aid, the Lake Park Fire Department was also assisted by the Dickinson County Emergency Management Office with its communications trailer, Dickinson County Sheriff's Office, Lake Park Ambulance and Lake Park Police Department.