In Hobart Township near Vergas, a fire on Tuesday morning, October 22, destroyed a home along County Highway 36. The blaze, reported around 10:18 a.m., caused heavy smoke to pour from the residence. Fortunately, 54-year-old Lee Matthew, the home’s sole occupant, escaped without injuries. According to the Otter Tail County Sheriff’s Office, the fire is suspected to have been caused by an electric heater.
Responding units included fire departments from Vergas, Perham, Frazee, and Perham Ambulance. Matthew has since been temporarily housed in a Detroit Lakes hotel. The fire remains under investigation.