Fire destroys building housing 3 businesses
No known injuries after people forced to evacuate
Emergency responders between two counties responded to a significant structure fire Wednesday afternoon near Harrisburg that destroyed three businesses.
Sgt. Chris Kuntz, with the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office, said dispatch received a call at about 3:20 p.m. reporting a structure fire near Tom Sawyer Trail and Highway 115.
The fire spewed a plume of smoke visible from at least Interstate 29 and 12th Street in Sioux Falls, and flames were visible from more than a mile away, ultimately forcing the demolition of a commercial building that held three businesses inside.
Lincoln County Emergency Management Director Harold Timmerman said the fire began in a garage door business before spreading to a plumbing and sign business.
An online search shows businesses Complete Door, Quality Plumbing & Service, LLC. and Customeyez Signs located in the building at 27214 Huck Finn Circle.
Kuntz said a number of people evacuated the building and there were no known injuries. Highway 115, between 272nd and 273rd streets, remained closed for several hours.
Timmerman said shortly before 5 p.m. the building was considered a “total loss” and an excavator was on the way to assist in tearing down walls to ensure that the fire is completely put out. The process could take several hours, he said.
Numerous fire departments from around the area assisted in fighting the fire, including Harrisburg, Sioux Falls, Canton, Lennox, Worthing and Tea.
Timmerman said he had no idea of what the total damage may be valued at as of Wednesday night.
The cause of the fire is still under investigation.