A fire at Clearwater Auto Parts along Co. Rd. 7 on Tuesday caused considerable damage at the business and resulted in a number of area fire departments being called out for mutual aid.

According to the Wright Co. Sheriff’s Office, employees at the business were removing a gas tank from a vehicle that was on a lift when the tank fell, causing a spark that ignited fuel that had been leaking from the tank. 

Clearwater Fire and Rescue was called to the scene late morning and immediately called for mutual aid.

“It’s common for mutual aid to be called for structure fires and grass fires,” said Clearwater Fire Chief Mike Keller. “And during the day we have limited firefighters able to respond.”

Annandale and Monticello Fire Depts. responded to the call, as did the Big Lake Fire Dept., which was already on standby at Clear Lake as the Clear Lake Fire Dept. was out for a funeral.

Due to the quick response the fire was able to be quickly knocked down, keeping it contained to the rear of the building and preventing it from spreading to the entire structure. Fire had also begun burning nearby grass, and as the business is also a junkyard with approximately 600 vehicles on site, concern was that the fire could have spread to those as well.

“The fire appears to be accidental,” said Keller. “There were no injuries, but unfortunately for the business there was significant property damage which will in turn affect the employees.”

Clearwater residents reported hearing loud booms, and the smoke was thick enough to be seen from I-94. Firefighters worked into the afternoon; the site was cleared around 3 p.m.

Thanks was extended to the responding fire departments as well as the Wright Co. Sheriff’s Dept. and the Clearwater Kwik Trip, which brought water and pizzas.