An historic grain elevator that was considered the centerpiece of Bentley, Alberta, has been completely destroyed by fire.
According to reports, emergency crews were notified the grain elevator was burning around 1:30 a.m. on December 23.
Bentley Fire Chief Ian McLaren said by the time fire crews arrived, the grain elevator was completely engulfed in flames. Frigid temperatures with wind chills of -50 degrees F caused the hydrant, hoses and lines in the truck to freeze creating challenges. Efforts quickly focused on containment to ensure the fire didn't spread, said McLaren.
The fire continued to smolder on December 28.
Most recently the facility was used by Healthy Herds, a privately owned, family-operated multi-species feed company.
The cause of the fire is still under investigation. No injuries were reported.
