Fire Departments Respond To Philip For Grain Bin Fire

PHILIP, (KCCR) — Fire departments across west central South Dakota were called to Philip on a windy Wednesday to tackle a fire at the Dakota Mill and Grain elevator in the Haakon County seat. Philip City Administrator Brittany Smith, in a social media post, indicated the Philip Volunteer Fire Department responded early Wednesday morning to the fire. According to Haakon County Emergency Management the fire was burning as of 4:15 am Wednesday. A safety perimeter was established around the elevator on the south side of Philip. Officials have expressed concerns about the possibility of explosions from grain dust and are slowly trying to remove grain from bins to prevent any further damage. As of Wednesday afternoon, no injuries had been reported and there is limited danger to the public. South Dakota Highway 73 through Philip is closed and the town is not accessible from Interstate 90 on Highway 73 from the south. The public is being asked to avoid the area near the elevator.