Small fire and multi-agency response at Waabigwan Mashkiki in Mahnomen

MAHNOMEN, Minn. (KVRR) — An evacuation order has been lifted in Mahnomen due to a fire at Waabigwan Mashkiki earlier Tuesday afternoon.

White Earth Police say the evacuation order was applied to the parking lot and Highway 59 is open.

Jefferson Avenue to the highway was still closed as of 3:30 p.m.

They say the fire at Waabigwan Mashkiki was contained to the lab and continued to burn due to the presence of butane gas. Two staff members were inside. One of them suffered minor burns, was evaluated and released.

Fire crews and first responders were on scene, and traffic was being diverted after it broke out.

Minnesota State Fire Marshal’s Office, Mahnomen County Sheriff’s Office, Becker County Sheriff’s Office, Minnesota State Patrol, Mahnomen Fire Department, Waubun Fire Department, and Twin Lakes Fire Department, along with White Earth Police Department personnel all responded.