An early morning fire destroyed the last remaining house in Honeyford, N.D., today.
A blaze was reported by a worker at the nearby Farmer's Elevator of Honeyford at 7:10 a.m. in the small community located about 10 miles northwest of Grand Forks Air Force Base and 3 miles south of Gilby, N.D.
Fire Chief Greg Moen said the Gilby Fire Protection District, as well as Manvel Volunteer Fire and Rescue, Altru Ambulance and the Grand Forks County Sheriff's Department, were soon on scene.
The fire was under control by 10:30 a.m. Moen said the two-story older home was still standing, but was a "total loss" because of extensive fire damage.
A family resided in the home, but the husband and wife who lived there were both away at the time. Firefighters weren't able to rescue the couple's dog and two cats.
ADVERTISEMENT
The North Dakota Fire Marshal and members of the Grand Forks County Sheriff's Department were on scene this afternoon to dig through the rubble and investigate the cause of the blaze.
Honeyford, a part of Gilby Township that was established in 1887, at one time had about 40 residents. The community has been home to a post office, four elevators, a school, a tavern and several stores over the years.
But nearly all of those businesses have since moved to Gilby or closed down, and Moen said today's fire had destroyed the last remaining house.
"Everything else is just the elevator," he said.
Reach Johnson at (701) 780-1105; (800) 477-6572, ext. 105; or send email to rjohnson@gfherald.com .
