Barn built around 1900 destroyed by fire near Pelican Rapids, MN while owner tried to start an old vehicle

PELICAN RAPIDS, Minn. (KVRR) — A 125-year-old barn and silo are destroyed in an unusual fire east of Pelican Rapids, Minnesota.

James Bell, the owner, and his son were trying to start a 1976 Mercury stored in the barn yesterday afternoon.

They were using starting fluid when the vehicle backfired, and started on fire.

The fire quickly spread to the barn and silo.

They say the only items of value inside the barn were the car and some tools.

Pelican Rapids and Vergas fire departments put the blaze out.