BROOKINGS, S.D. (KELO) — Flames had destroyed most of a downtown Brookings shop and apartments surrounding it when first responders arrived.
Brookings Police Chief Michael Drake said first responders received a call shortly after 5 a.m. that smoke was coming from the building.
“None of the businesses were open, but the apartments were filled with occupants that had to be rescued and also evacuated from their apartments by the fire department and the police department,” Chief Drake said.
Before noon, what remained of the building collapsed, along with the sign to Brost’s Fashions.
Those familiar with downtown Brookings know that fires have broken out before, but a fire like Monday’s is rather unheard of.
“This is the first time that I have seen a fire like that, that a lot of the people downtown have seen a fire like this. So, it’s definitely something that is really scary and something a lot of us have never seen before,” Downtown Brookings executive director Kirsten Gjesdal said.
Police believe the fire originated from the same building as Brost’s Fashions. An exact cause is under investigation. Crews in and surrounding Brookings remained on scene for hours to ensure the fire didn’t flare up or spread.
“If it wasn’t for their quick actions of getting here, this fire could have got out of hand pretty quickly. This entire block may have gone up,” Drake said. “They did such a great job of getting here and really containing the fire to be able to save lives and property more than it could have been.”
Police reported no significant injuries at this time, and everyone inside the building made it out.
Downtown Brookings staff said a number of people and organizations have already reached out to ask how they can help and volunteer following the fire.
