Gas tank falls from lift, sparking fire at Clearwater auto parts business

Jun 27, 2023

By WCCO Staff

May 9, 2023 / 2:58 PM / CBS Minnesota

CLEARWATER, Minn. -- A large fire near Clearwater, Minnesota -- large enough that it's visible on area traffic cameras -- had officials warning people to steer clear.

At approximately 11:30 a.m., Wright County dispatch was alerted to a vehicle fire at Clearwater Auto Parts, located on the 16900 block of County Road 7 Northwest.

According to witnesses and first responders, the fire had completely consumed the building on the property, as well as much of the grass in the area.

The Wright County Sheriff's Office says that the shop was removing a gas tank from a vehicle on a lift. The gas tank fell from the lift, and consequently, a spark ignited fuel that was leaking from the tank.

The fire spread through the shop and to another building on same property. The fire is now out, and there were no injuries reported.

Clearwater Fire Department initially asked the public to stay clear of the area so emergency response crews could access the site.

The WCCO Staff is a group of experienced journalists who bring you the content on WCCO.com.

First published on May 9, 2023 / 1:02 PM

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