THE entire city of Wadena is under a shelter in place order as hazardous materials burn at Minnesota Valley Irrigation.
The Wadena Fire Department has issued a warning for all residents in the Minnesota city to stay inside as they continue to battle the fire.
“We are on a working fire and there is hazardous materials. Please shelter in place,” a statement on the fire department’s Facebook page reads in part.
Residents in need of shelter are urged to go to the Wadena-Deer Creek High School safe room.
The chemicals burning from the fire are not toxic but may cause symptoms including eye irritation, according to FOX9.
Residents are encouraged to avoid the vicinity of the fire as crews remain on the scene.
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The fire reportedly broke out at 3pm local time.
A statement was released on the Wadena Police Department’s Facebook page, acknowledging the fire and the shelter in place order.
“The cloud of smoke is not dangerous to breath in, however we are asking residents to shelter in place. We recommend that you close your windows and shut off your air conditioning.
“We ask everybody to avoid the area as it is causing congestion with emergency equipment. The FEMA Gym is open for anybody that wants to take shelter there.
“We are currently in a severe thunderstorm warning. The Wadena Police Department, Fire Department and Wadena County Sheriffs Office will keep residents updated with ACCURATE information as we are able.”
On top of the shelter in place order, as the police statement mentioned, Wadena is under a Severe Thunderstorm Warning from the National Weather Service through 5.15pm local time.
A tornado watch has also been issued by the NWS and remains in effect through 10pm local time.
Winds of up to 70 miles per hour and penny-sized hail are possible.
A tornado touched down earlier today in Alexandria, Minnesota where major damage has reportedly been sustained.
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Wadena is a city located about 160 miles northwest of Minneapolis.
Minnesota Valley Irrigation, located in Wadena, is a full-service irrigation company serving the city and also Bismarck, North Dakota. The company was founded in 1992 by Bobby Kempenich.
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