Fire Destroys Small Town of Bucyrus | Video

Alex Hagan | 10/18/2012

A grass fire has devastated a small town in southwest North Dakota near Hettinger. The fire started in the late afternoon yesterday and went well into the next morning. It has left several residents homeless.

What started out as a normal windy day turned tragic for residents in the small town of Bucyrus.

"It was absolutely devastating, I couldn`t believe it was rolling through the fields," said Samantha Pagel of Hettinger.

Firefighters responded to a grassfire just outside the town at around 3:00 in the afternoon. At 5:30, firefighters decided to evacuate the community of 30 people.

Adams County States Attorney, Aaron Roseland said, "I have spoken to some people who have been raised here and been here for many years. And to their knowledge this is the largest fire in Adams County in their memory."

The fire spread more than six miles across and four miles long and is still growing, burning down six residential homes in its path.

"I was just praying for the families the whole time. It`s just really sad to see that, because the families are going to be out of their homes for a long time," Pagel said.

"There are dozens of people who have opened they`re homes and opened up their living spaces to the people that have had to be evacuated tonight," Roseland said.

Around 25 to 30 tractors owned by farmers were used to help contain the fire, but the fire danger continues.

"There`s some very strong winds out this evening. Embers can be flown out and flown about all across the countryside which firefighters remain vigilant and are in shifts right now to make sure there are no flare ups or embers that occur," Roseland said.

"I can`t imagine how hard they have to be working all night and all day tomorrow to contain it so I have a lot of respect for them," Pagel said.

County officials plan to let residents back into the town tomorrow.

Firefighters are still at the scene. We will have more information as soon as it is available.

UPDATE: Roseland has confirmed the fire has been contained.

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