Agweek's Hunter Schwartz reported that fire crews fought a grain elevator fire at Anchor Ingredients in Hatton, North Dakota, for about seven hours on Nov. 5. Two elevators caught fire, with one brought down in a controlled collapse as flames spread. Over 100 first responders assisted, with efforts continuing into Thursday morning to douse the wheat bins.
Water demand strained local supplies, prompting crews to draw from nearby Golden Lake. The water pressure drop affected the local high school’s supply. Despite the intense blaze visible for miles, no injuries were reported. Volunteers provided meals for firefighters on scene.
INFORUM's Matt Henson followed up on initial reporting with news that Anchor Ingredients said the fire won’t impact area farmers, as the Hatton site mainly served as overflow. Traill County Assistant Emergency Manager Ben Gates expects smoldering to continue through the weekend while investigations into the fire’s cause remain ongoing.
The elevator, built in the 1940s, was a longtime fixture for local farmers like Steve Heskin, who recalls hauling grain there. Fire crews focused on preventing collapse and protecting nearby storage bins, drawing water from Golden Lake due to local shortages.
