WITOKA, Minn. – Five people escaped a fire that destroyed a house on a hill along County Road 15 just after 7 p.m. Pickwick Fire Chief Adam Zimmerman said the initial fire call was for a chimney fire, but the house ended up a total loss. Zimmerman said the fire, far above Homer Creek in the 22000 block, was difficult to fight because the property was uphill. Volunteer fire crews responded from Dakota, Nodine, Pickwick, Ridgeway and Wilson.
Back in morning. Firefighters planned to return at dawn to find remaining hot spots. Image: Pickwick Fire and Rescue