BIRD ISLAND – A Bird Island home was destroyed in a fire Monday following a possible explosion.
No one was home at the time of the fire, however a dog died in the blaze, according to Renville County Sheriff Scott Hable.
In a news release, Hable said his office received multiple 911 calls at around 4:42 p.m. Monday with reports of an apparent explosion and smoke coming from a home at 260 Dogwood Avenue.
Upon arrival, firefighters found heavy smoke and fire coming from the single-story home, which sustained heavy fire damage and was deemed a totaled loss.
The home was owned an occupied by Jeffrey and Sheena Ackerson.
The homeowners discovered the fire after returning home, according to Hable.
The Bird Island, Olivia and Hector Fire Departments were dispatched, along with the Bird Island Medical Response Unit, Olivia Ambulance Service and Renville County Sheriff’s Office.
Firefighters’ efforts were hindered by sub-zero temperatures and dangerously cold wind chills.
Firefighters remained on the scene until after 10 p.m. and were on scene again Tuesday morning extinguishing hot spots
The Minnesota State Fire Marshal’s Office is assisting with the investigation of the fire.
The cause and origin of the fire has not yet been determined.
