Vehicle Fire Damages Pole Barn Near Bemidji, No Injuries Reported

A late afternoon fire on Friday, December 26, heavily damaged a pole type building and the vehicle stored inside on the 8500 block of Irvine Avenue Northwest in Northern Township, about five miles north of Bemidji. Bemidji Fire Chief Justin Sherwood said firefighters were dispatched at approximately 3:03 p.m. after receiving a report of a vehicle fire inside the structure. Responders found heavy smoke throughout the large building and initiated an offensive attack.

Fire crews deployed two 1 3/4 inch preconnected attack lines as the operation expanded. A total of 17 firefighters and six pieces of equipment worked on scene for roughly four hours before the fire was brought under control. The Bemidji Ambulance Service, the Beltrami County Sheriff’s Office and the Beltrami Electric Cooperative assisted alongside the Bemidji Fire Department. No injuries were reported.

The building and its contents suffered significant damage. Officials described the cause as under investigation, and the release from Chief Sherwood indicated the fire appears to be accidental. That determination will guide any follow up by investigators and influence whether recommendations or changes to storage practices or safety measures are made for similar rural structures in Beltrami County.

Beyond the direct property loss, the incident underscores how a single blaze can demand substantial emergency resources in a short period. Seventeen firefighters and six apparatus committed for four hours represent a sizable operational load for local departments, particularly in winter months when roads and conditions can complicate response. The involvement of the electric cooperative and county sheriff’s office illustrates the multiagency coordination often required for rural structure fires.

For local owners of pole type buildings and vehicle storage facilities, the event highlights the importance of regular checks of electrical systems, vehicle maintenance, and clear emergency access. While the investigation will seek a definitive cause, the community can expect fire officials to emphasize prevention and preparedness in the aftermath.

The fire remained under investigation at the time of the release. Residents with properties similar to the site of the fire may find it timely to review their own safety practices and insurance coverage while authorities complete their review.