November 21, 2009

Sioux Falls, South Dakota 57104

Groton Evacuated due to Fire

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By KSFY News

Story Created: Aug 23, 2008 at 5:45 PM CST

Story Updated: Aug 23, 2008 at 7:43 PM CST

According to Freddy Robinson, Public Information Officer with the Brown County Emergency Management Department, the town of Groton was evacuated this afternoon due to a fire on the south side of town.

Robinson said that the Groton Fire Department was returning from a controlled burn at about 3:50 this afternoon when they noticed smoke coming from the elevator. That structure caught fire, and resulted in some rail cars containing an alcohol product starting to heat up. Robinson says the fire department was unable to keep the cars cool, so the town was evacuated as a precaution. The fire completely destroyed the elevator along with an auto body shop next to it.

At this time, the evacuation order has been lifted, but emergency personnel request that people stay indoors, out of the way of fire crews who continue to work on the scene.

KSFY has a crew in Groton and will have an update as soon as possible. No cause has been released at this time.

Pictures by Tom Woods of Groton

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Wednesday, Aug 27 at 10:15 AM Chartel wrote ...

Groton is one of the few communities in South Dakota that has actually had an increase in population. Even now, we have a waiting list of people wanting to buy houses here. There are over a dozen construction companies operating in this town and they can't keep up with the demand for housing. Every building on Main Street is occupied with a business. The School District is one of the best in the state.

Wednesday, Aug 27 at 12:32 AM Adrian wrote ...

So, I'm 'a troll' because I don't like poor paint jobs? I know you love you town, and that's great, but fix it up once in awhile. Get a fresh coat of paint. Plant a tree. Pick up the garbage, ect. Then maybe, just maybe, someone will move there.

Monday, Aug 25 at 8:52 PM Just Me wrote ...

WTG everyone, Todd got you hook line and sinker. The more you rant about Todd, who personally isn't worth the effort, the more I'm sure he is enjoying it. To him his posting was a hit. I'm glad to hear that noone was hurt and life will go on in Groton.

Monday, Aug 25 at 12:09 PM Carl wrote ...

Hats off to the firefighters and other emergency workers who were involved. I spoke to some people on the scene and they sid they could see the fear in the firefighters' eyes! Knowing that the ethanol tankers could explode at anytime, but alo knowing that it was their job to stay in there and keep the fire suppression going. 95% of these guys are VOLUNTEERS. Thanks to those other communities who sent help. I hope that we are able to return the favor if we are needed in your community.

Monday, Aug 25 at 11:46 AM A Grotonite... wrote ...

Todd and Adrian are what we call "trolls". They post cruel things and sit back and watch everybody get mad, b/c it is fun to them. Never respond to them, and they will eventually go away. THANKS go out to the firefighters who by the way are all VOLUNTEER. They risked their lives for the towns people.

Monday, Aug 25 at 10:12 AM Adrian wrote ...

Sorry about your grain elevator. Rebuild it and paint some of the buildings on main street and Todd wouldn't think the place was such a dump.

Sunday, Aug 24 at 8:35 PM Disturbed wrote ...

For someone who calls it a dump, sure didnt waste anytime to comment. That makes me believe that your life is pretty exciting, for you to sit online and comment negatively about someone elses loss. So key advice find a hobby, and live your life. And do the people of Groton a favor, keep them out of your prayers because if it is anything like your comments, it would do noone any good.

Sunday, Aug 24 at 6:39 PM dana jones wrote ...

i grew up and went to scholl in groton and i resent todds comments if he had any sense hed shut up i know exactley where that elevator is and its right by the rr track and the buildinfthat was the body shop used to belong to my great uncle 9DECASED NOW) but it was a J I CASE implement place then and now another part of history is gone --same for elevator for ue information todd groton is 18 miles east of aberdeen and it si thriving because people who work in aberdeen would rather live the

Sunday, Aug 24 at 4:01 PM I was there wrote ...

Todd, why don't you come to Groton and have lunch with me. I'd love to discuss issues you have. This will show how big of a man you really are. If you show, good for you.

Sunday, Aug 24 at 3:36 PM Fire Fighter wrote ...

I will tell you this Todd Iam one the firefighters that reported to the fire. And I am proud that I was able to protect the town that I grew up in.

Sunday, Aug 24 at 2:47 PM volunteer firefighter wrote ...

We appreciate all those volunteer firefighters that keep our small towns safe. Good call evacuating the town. Nevermind ReTodd, he doesn't know what he's taling about.

Sunday, Aug 24 at 12:11 PM kIM SCHOCK wrote ...

i DON'T KNOW WHO TODD IS BUT THIS COMMENT WAS FORWARDED TO ME HERE IN NORTH DAKOTA BY MY BROTHER WHO LIVES IN SOUTH DAKOTA. WE WENT TO SCHOOL IN GROTON AND HAVE ELDERLY PARENTS WHO LIVE THERE AND IT IS NOT A DUMP IT IS A VERY PROGRESSIVE LITTLE. TOWN. VISIT IT SOMETIME AND YOU WILL SEE.

Sunday, Aug 24 at 12:09 PM Anonymous wrote ...

Todd, when ever you meet your maker..hopefully he remembers your comment when deciding if you go to heaven or hell. I'm gonna bet u see fire soon after.

Sunday, Aug 24 at 11:00 AM Too Close wrote ...

I live in Groton. And close to the elevator that burned. Thank you to ALL the firefighters from around the area that responded. And shame on Burlington Northern for putting your lives in such a risk. By taking so long to move the explosive rail cars. For those that don't understand the danger involved. Had the rail cars blown. There is a good chance it would have ignited propane and anhydrous ammonia storage tanks not far from the elevator. God bless us all.

Sunday, Aug 24 at 8:42 AM Dave wrote ...

Hey todd! Sometimes it's better to sit there with your mouth shut and be thought of as an idiot then to open your mouth and remove all doubt. I'm a fireman in a small rural community. I'd like to keep your idea in mind when your place heats up.

Sunday, Aug 24 at 8:22 AM betty boop wrote ...

Todd I can't beleive how any one could be so cruel. My Prayers are with the people in Groten

Sunday, Aug 24 at 8:01 AM jp wrote ...

The firefighters did a great job keeping the damage to a minimum. They deserve a lot of credit. Same goes to Emergency Management and law enforcement. They sometimes go unnoticed. Thank good everyone is safe.

Sunday, Aug 24 at 8:00 AM Adrian wrote ...

If it's in South Dakota, it's probably a dump.

Sunday, Aug 24 at 7:08 AM let it go wrote ...

todd your not even worth the bullet

Sunday, Aug 24 at 6:50 AM confused wrote ...

This is what I don't understand. I have been to Groton, and it is very nice community. And you all are absolutely correct - Todd is an idiot. But what baffles me is that KSFY allows that type of nonsense to be printed. I have sent numerous comments in about several stories (none of them mean or nasty), and they won't post it. So I believe most of the problem in these comment rooms are KSFY themselves. And you watch - they probably won't post this either. That would just be the norm.

Sunday, Aug 24 at 1:01 AM SD Chief wrote ...

Looks to me that Emergency mangagement and the local FDs did a wonderful job containing this fire. I'm sure they had their hands full with the fire and low water pressure. This isn't something you run into everyday, looks like a lot of good mutual aid!!! Good job guys and gals. SD is lucky to have so many dedicated firefighters.

Saturday, Aug 23 at 10:53 PM Bungie wrote ...

Thanks to emergency management for keeping up with the situation. South Dakotans should be very proud of the caring professionals they have. There are a lot of states in this country that just don't care. Todd, your comments will come back on you.

Saturday, Aug 23 at 10:00 PM your kidding wrote ...

Hope nobody was hurt. Todd get a life how would you feel if your mom lived there. Never been there but it is home to people so grow up and keep your stupid comments to yourself nobody really cares to hear it. God Bless all in Groton and I wish you all well.

Saturday, Aug 23 at 9:50 PM Anonymous wrote ...

How rude, Todd. I think you need to know more information before adding a comment like that.

Saturday, Aug 23 at 9:41 PM JML wrote ...

Way to go Todd, I am sure the people that live in Groton will enjoy your heartfelt concerns.

Saturday, Aug 23 at 9:03 PM Dump? wrote ...

Obviously you don't appreciate the small town basics and character.

Saturday, Aug 23 at 8:52 PM diane wrote ...

easy for you to say when you dont live in this charmimg little town

Saturday, Aug 23 at 8:47 PM wow wrote ...

Thats would be a scare! Especially, if combustible fuels heated enough to explode. Good job evacuating and reporting.

Saturday, Aug 23 at 8:40 PM Rudy wrote ...

I'd rather live in Groton than Sioux Falls!

Saturday, Aug 23 at 8:35 PM "Todd" needs to grow up! wrote ...

That is really an intelligent comment. So here is my question, why don't you people that say stupid things behind your keyboards just grow up and use some common sense and courtesy?

Saturday, Aug 23 at 8:30 PM An Adult wrote ...

Well, that's a mature assessment - really helpful, Todd.

Saturday, Aug 23 at 7:57 PM todds an idiot wrote ...

yeah and take the whole town with it huh todd

Saturday, Aug 23 at 6:44 PM Todd wrote ...

Where is this dump? Its better off just to let it go.

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