3 minutes

Dennis Katsnelson

In the early hours of Friday morning, a roof blaze erupted at the prominent Prairie Public Broadcasting facility, located in downtown Fargo. The incident unfolded just before 1:30 a.m., prompting immediate action from the diligent firefighters of the region. Under the guidance of Battalion Chief Dane Carley, the news of the fire was originally reported by an alert individual in a nearby building. The initial observation indicated a blaze atop what seemed to be the American Federal Bank. However, upon arrival, the true location of the blaze became apparent; it was situated on the roof of the neighboring Prairie Public office building.

Chief Carley expressed that it was evident some form of roofing work had taken place, leading to a situation where a sizable air handling unit became engulfed in flames. He likened the intensity of the blaze to that of a blazing car. Employing a ladder truck, the skilled crews effectively managed to suppress and control the fire, demonstrating their expertise and resourcefulness in the face of adversity.

Regrettably, the incident resulted in water seepage through the rooftop, affecting the upper portion of the structure, and causing some smoke damage inside. To safeguard vital equipment, strategic measures were implemented, employing tarps to provide cover and protection in various areas of the facility.

Assessing the aftermath of the fire, the estimation provided by the fire department indicates damage amounting to $40,000. This figure encompasses the harm incurred by both the roof structure and the air handling equipment, further emphasizing the scale of the incident.

At present, the precise cause of the fire remains under investigation. The dedicated authorities are diligently examining the circumstances surrounding the incident, determined to uncover the root cause and prevent future occurrences.