A fire that began Tuesday, Nov. 4, 2025, damaged two outbuildings and other property along U.S. Highway 59 north of Dunvilla, authorities said. A Minnesota state trooper on routine patrol observed heavy smoke at about 5:35 p.m. and located the blaze on private property, according to media releases from responding agencies.

Officials said the fire was started when debris around a barrel used by the property owner for burning garbage is believed to have ignited, spreading to a nearby detached garage. The first garage was a total loss, the release said, and a second detached garage sustained moderate damage. A pickup truck and a fish house located nearby also were damaged. No injuries were reported.

The Vergas Fire Department and the Otter Tail County Sheriff’s Office responded to the scene, along with the Minnesota state patrol that first spotted the smoke. The coordinated response limited the fire from spreading to additional structures on the property and to adjacent land, according to the media material. Investigators are relying on on scene observations and the account that burning garbage in a barrel led to debris catching fire as the likely cause of the spread.

For local residents, the incident underscores the potential consequences of open burning on private property. Even controlled burns in barrels can pose significant risk if embers or surrounding debris are not properly contained. Damage to outbuildings and vehicles can impose substantial financial strain on rural households, and post fire cleanup and recovery can affect neighbors and local services.

Volunteer and municipal fire departments in Otter Tail County regularly respond to similar incidents, and the resources required for response can be considerable. Fire suppression, scene management, and any follow up investigation draw on personnel and equipment from small departments that cover broad rural areas. The near miss of injuries in this case does not eliminate concerns about exposure for residents, first responders, and bystanders during such events.

Residents seeking guidance after this incident are advised to contact the Otter Tail County Sheriff’s Office or the Vergas Fire Department for information about the local response and any ongoing investigation. Property owners who use open burning are encouraged to review county and state guidance on burning practices and to take precautions to prevent embers and debris from spreading to nearby structures.

Local officials did not report any arrests or citations in the initial release, and recovery efforts for the damaged property are expected to be handled by the owner and their insurers. The community impact will be measured by property losses, potential insurance claims, and any public safety follow up to reduce the chance of similar fires in the future.