Shop Fire Near New York Mills Caused by Angle Grinder Spark

Otter Tail County deputies and local volunteer fire departments responded late on November 13 after a call at about 10:06 p.m. brought crews to a shop on 370th Street in Newton Township near New York Mills. Firefighters from Perham and New York Mills joined the response and found smoke and fire damage to the small building. The Sheriff’s Office reported no injuries among residents or responders.

Investigators have listed the preliminary cause as a spark from an angle grinder that had been used earlier in the day to cut tin siding. Damage reported to county authorities included smoke infiltration, damaged insulation and siding, and loss to a small portion of the structure. The prompt arrival and joint effort of volunteer fire departments limited the extent of the fire, preventing what officials described as a more significant structural loss.

For Otter Tail County residents the incident underscores two practical concerns. First, the safety risks associated with power tool use on finished structures, particularly when cutting or grinding metal near combustible materials, are real and can materialize hours after a tool is used if hot metal fragments lodge in insulation or gaps in siding. Second, small commercial and outbuilding fires can lead to out of pocket expenses for repairs and temporary disruptions even when there are no injuries. Smoke damage and compromised insulation can require specialized cleanup and replacement, and insurance claims can affect local premiums and recovery timelines.

The presence of Perham and New York Mills volunteer fire departments highlights the community reliance on volunteer emergency services. Volunteer responses help contain direct firefighting costs for the county and can accelerate containment in rural areas where full time stations are distant. Residents with questions or concerns about the incident were advised to contact local fire authorities for information on investigation findings and safety guidance.

As the Sheriff’s Office completes its assessment, this event may prompt local conversations about safe work practices, storage of combustible materials near work sites, and the importance of regular inspection after metal cutting or welding tasks. For now the key reassurance is that no one was hurt and the fire was confined to a limited portion of the shop, but affected property owners will face cleanup and repair decisions in the coming days.