In this world of 24-hour news coverage, it is hard to find a feel-good message. And it’s always good to hear an uplifting story, even in the face of a tragedy. And that is exactly what our small community experienced recently. Many of you may have heard of the devastating explosion/fire that occurred at an elevator in our community. I am not going to focus on the devastating explosion and fire, but instead, I am going to share my observations about the human component that surrounded this event. Every time I think about how our community came together, the pride that fills my airways literally takes my breath away . . . Rural America is the absolute best place to live.
Fire at Northrop elevator
Explosion and Fire
So let me give you a short recap of what happened. On Thursday, December 28, a grain elevator in Northrop, MN exploded. Multiple nearby homes were damaged and three employees suffered minor injuries. The elevator is owned by a local family farm where they used the elevator to store corn, which is fed to their hogs. While the explosion itself was serious, things turned south very quickly early the following morning (Friday, December 29) when the elevator became engulfed in fire. And it was a major fire. The emergency personnel would be on the scene until the early evening of Sunday, December 31, fighting the fire. 62 hours straight of pumping water. Over a million gallons of water were trucked in. There was a steady stream of emergency lights, fire trucks coming and going delivering water.
Here is where the terrible tragedy brought out the very best of our community. During the fire, temperatures were very cold. I mean, very cold. Daytime highs didn’t get above zero. But with our local fire departments, it didn’t matter. They were there doing their job.
Their volunteer job.
Fire Assistance
Over 50 surrounding fire departments came to offer their assistance. Yes, you read that correctly. More than 50. Fire trucks were freezing up. Businesses were offering their sheds for the fire trucks to unthaw. There was a continuous stream of water trucks assisting with the fire and every firefighter needed. Once word got out about how many emergency personnel were involved, businesses and people stepped up to the plate. Many grocery stores and restaurants prepared and delivered food. The local bar, located across the street, closed its business and opened up as a place to warm up and eat. Warm and dry socks and gloves, chapstick, hot meals and warm drinks were available, along with words of encouragement. In fact, some local stores ran out of these needed items. Our community couldn’t do enough.
Our community couldn’t do enough.
Google map of fire departments responding to Northrop elevator fire
Tears came easy thinking about how our community pulled together. I have a renewed appreciation and pride for our emergency personnel. I will never look at a firefighter the same way again.
Eagerness
Is this a unique situation? Absolutely not. People in rural America have a special eagerness to help their fellow man. Rural Americans rush to the aid of members in need, no matter what. That’s just who we are.
A few years ago, the community came together when a young father/farmer was killed tragically in a car accident. And personally, our family was the recipient of this same type of help. Many years ago, my father-in-law suffered a heart attack and went into surgery for a heart bypass. All during the fall harvest. Neighbors, who were never asked, came to help us. They were true heroes.
Even though the news media will tell us that people who live in flyover country are looked down upon. Not thinking we are at the same level of our suburbanite neighbors. Or, perhaps, maybe they don’t think of us at all. But one person who has not forgotten us in rural America is the President. It was so refreshing to see our President speak at the National American Farm Bureau conference. The first President to speak at this conference in the last 25 years.
Community Pride
We are proud of our community. No matter our strengths or weaknesses, people come together when they see the need. And it feels good. There just is no better place to live. And that attitude shows through as we build our communities in ways that matter.
I would love to hear about your community. Would your community do the same? Do you see your community working to make itself better?
Additional Fire Links:
Northrop Grain Elevator Fire
Northrop Elevator Burns
I’ve lived in small town Iowa my whole life. When devastating things happen in these communities, neighbors all pitch in. When I was in my early teens a tornado touched down just NW of my home town. We spent the rest of the week picking up and rebuilding the farms that were hit. I don’t think this is unique. I believe where communities take the opportunity to connect, good things happen. I am glad to hear this is what happened in your town.
You have a great story. Thanks for sharing.