VIDEO: Overnight Fire Destroys Grain Elevator in Hawley, Minnesota

HAWLEY, Minn. (KVRR/KFGO) — A major overnight fire at a grain elevator in Hawley was brought under control around 7 Monday morning thanks to the response of 17 fire departments.

The blaze was first reported just after 11 Sunday night by a passing BNSF crew.

Fire departments from Hawley responded along with crews from Moorhead, Detroit Lakes and many other towns.

The elevator contained corn.

Police Chief Joe Backlund says there was initial concern that embers from the large blaze would spread to other buildings.

Backlund believes the elevator is leased and mostly used by one farmer.

School was canceled to preserve the city’s water supply.

Mayor Sean Mork says with the amount of water used to battle the flames, people were asked to limit their water use, but those restrictions have been eased.

The state fire marshal’s office is investigating.