Perham Township shop fire kills four Labradors, destroys building

A shop fire in Perham Township on Jan. 13 destroyed the structure and its contents and killed four Labrador retrievers, local officials said. A passing motorist first noticed flames coming through the roof late that morning, and three local fire departments responded to the scene.

The Otter Tail County Sheriff’s Office said investigators believe the blaze was caused by a wood stove. Authorities described the property as a total loss and do not consider the fire suspicious. Fire and law enforcement officials said the investigation is ongoing and details may be updated.

Beyond the immediate loss of the building and animals, the fire raises several public health and community concerns for Perham-area residents. Large structure fires produce smoke, ash, and soot that can affect nearby homes, especially for people with asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, heart conditions, or other vulnerabilities. Volunteer firefighters and neighbors who helped at the scene face potential smoke exposure and the physical strain of firefighting in cold weather, common in rural Minnesota winters.

The emotional toll of losing pets and personal property is significant in tight-knit communities. Four Labradors perished in the blaze; for many households, the loss of companion animals is equivalent to losing family members. For residents who rely on home workshops, storage barns, or small businesses in similar structures, the fire highlights how quickly heat sources such as wood stoves can become deadly if ventilation, maintenance, or safe clearances are compromised.

The response also underscores the importance of mutual aid among rural fire departments and the limits they can face when buildings are fully involved. Three local departments were needed to battle the flames, a reminder of how critical equipment, volunteer recruitment, and training are to keep response times and outcomes favorable across Otter Tail County.

Policy and prevention implications include wood stove safety education, clearances around heating appliances, regular inspections, and making sure smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors are functioning where people live and work. For households affected by total loss, questions about insurance coverage, temporary shelter, and replacement of essential equipment can surface quickly, with low-income residents at greater risk of prolonged hardship.

As the sheriff’s office continues its investigation, neighbors and community groups often step in to offer support after devastating fires. For readers, this incident is a prompt to check heating equipment and home safety measures, to be mindful of smoke risks during and after fires, and to consider how local emergency services are equipped to protect rural properties. Updates will follow as officials release more information.