Updated Breaking News: Fire at Our Lady of Victory Church in Fergus Falls

Firefighter Injured in Church Fire at Our Lady of Victory in Fergus Falls
By Derek Sidian
FERGUS FALLS, MN – A fire at Our Lady of Victory Church Tuesday morning caused significant damage, forced the evacuation of the attached school, and resulted in a minor injury to a firefighter.
The Fergus Falls Fire Department responded at 9:04 a.m. to a report of a fire in the church office. Fire alarms activated throughout the building, prompting students and staff from the attached school to evacuate. They were relocated to Kennedy Secondary School with help from the Fergus Falls Police Department and Ottertail Minn-Dakota Coaches, where they were later reunited with parents and guardians.
Fire Chief Ryan Muchow said firefighters encountered heavy smoke in the office area and emanating from the roof. Crews deployed hoses to the main level and basement to contain the fire, which involved the generator exhaust venting system. The fire breached the venting enclosure, escalating the suppression challenges. Firefighters removed wall and ceiling materials as well as sections of the roof to fully extinguish the flames.
One firefighter sustained a laceration injury from falling debris but was treated onsite and remained on duty.
The fire caused significant structural damage to the office area, with smoke damage in the sanctuary. Fire doors helped limit smoke from spreading into the school. Damage estimates exceed $500,000.
The fire is believed to have started in the generator exhaust venting enclosure. The investigation is ongoing, with assistance from the State Fire Marshal’s Office, the Fergus Falls Fire Department, and the church’s insurance representatives.
Firefighters worked in subzero temperatures for nearly four hours, covering furnishings and equipment to protect them from fire suppression efforts. Fire Department staff also collaborated with church representatives to preserve vital documents and assist in planning for post-fire operations.
Father Lucho Palomino expressed gratitude in a social media statement, saying, “We give thanks to Christ that all students and staff were evacuated safely and unharmed. Blessings to the Fire Department, law enforcement, volunteers and all who assisted and will continue to assist with this event.”
The Fergus Falls Fire Department received assistance from the Fergus Falls Police, Public Works, and Engineering Departments; the Elizabeth, Underwood, and Foxhome Fire Departments; Ringdahl EMS; Salvation Army; Ottertail Power Company; Great Plains Natural Gas; and the State Fire Marshal’s Office.
Chief Muchow commended all responders for their efforts and cooperation during the incident.
[Story courtesy of Fergus Falls Fire Department and KRBF]