BROOKINGS, SD (Dakota News Now) – Authorities in Brookings are investigating a fire that broke out at a downtown apartment building early Monday morning.
Photojournalist Dave Hauck was in Brookings and spoke with residents looking to rally after the blow to the downtown business community.
We’re told the fire started at the rear of the business around 5 a.m. before quickly engulfing the building.
“It was pretty intense. Some of the surrounding foliage was on fire. Over the course of the day, he slowly walked up the driveway and headed toward the street here,” said Brookings resident Keaton Spence.
Nearby shops and apartments were also affected by the fire.
“Brost’s Fashions, and then Seven Songbirds, which is next to them, were the two most affected by the fire. We may be fortunate that if it was going to happen, it happened after the holidays. This is usually an extremely busy time for the city center. And this SDSU is not in session at the moment. So, some apartments were empty because the students weren’t living here in town at the time,” said Kristen Gjestal, executive director of Downtown Brookings.
“This morning was definitely a surprise. This early in the morning, businesses are not open. So we were supposed to have a class this morning, but we were greeted by police cars and luckily we weren’t in the building at the time, which is right next door,” said Megan Nelson, owner by Prairie Soul Yoga.
The cause of the fire is still under investigation. No injuries were reported.
“It’s still horrible to see. I think of all of us business owners unable to get in there. It’s Monday, we’re ready to tackle the week. It’s the end of the year, we have an inventory to do. But the Brookings community has already stepped up, with everyone offering help and support,” Nelson said.
Tuesday morning, Brookings firefighters and police said they would continue to monitor the scene and the Brookings Public Works Department was working to actively clean the street.
The 300 block of Main Avenue is expected to be open to traffic by the end of Tuesday afternoon. People are asked to stay out of the immediate area and be wary of ice and debris.
Copyright 2024 Dakota News Now. All rights reserved.