Fire Destroys Main Street Building
An early morning fire on Saturday, Feb. 22 destroyed a Main Street Building. While conducting a routine patrol, a Stanley Police Officer detected a strong odor of smoke and initiated an investigation to locate the source.
The officer found the smoke coming from the two-story building that had commercial businesses on the main level and apartment units on the second level. The officer observed visible smoke and flames, making contact with the residents exiting the building. He was able to confirm all individuals had safely evacuated the building.
Fire crews from Stanley, Tioga, Powers Lake and New Town responded to control and extinguish the fire. They were assisted on the scene with law enforcement including the Stanley Police Department, Stanley Ambulance Service, Mountrail County Sheriff’s Department and Mountrail County Emergency Management. Braun Trucking help-
ed haul water to assist the fire departments as they worked to extinguish the fire and protect the buildings next to it.
The building appears to be a complete loss. In addition to the renters losing their apartments and belongings, the three businesses on the main level were also destroyed. Those include Thoughtful Memories, Moca by becc and Lostwood Media.
No actual fire damage was incurred by surrounding buildings, but they have sustained water and smoke damage.
A number of benefit drives are underway to help those affected by the fire as individuals and businesses step up to help their neighbors. Links to those benefits can be found on Facebook.
The cause of the fire remains unknown. Stanley Fire continues to monitor the scene even after the fire was extinguished, according to Fire Chief Aaron Skarsgard. They have not yet released the structure. They continue to work with the ND Fire Marshal’s Office.
The building had previously been the home of the Gambles Hardware Store. It had also housed MTI and had served as Stanley City Hall.