A fast-moving fire tore through the Blaine County District One building in Geary on Wednesday, gutting the county road shop and destroying much of the heavy equipment inside. Everyone who was in the building got out safely, but firefighters battling the flames were treated on scene for heat exhaustion as volunteer and municipal crews from across Blaine County rushed in to help contain the blaze.
Chief: District One Shop ‘Pretty Much’ A Total Loss
Geary Fire Department Chief Ben Nicolai told KOCO that the building is "pretty much a total loss" and that "several of the loaders are a full loss." A reporter on scene noted that the structure housed county road equipment including loaders, pickups, tires and drums of oil. Emergency crews kept working into the afternoon to chase down hotspots and secure what was left of the scene.
Road Shop Was Core Of County’s Day-To-Day Work
The building serves as the hub for Blaine County District One's road and maintenance operations, where heavy machinery and service vehicles are stored and serviced. Recent agendas from the county commission, available through Blaine County, show regular business tied to District One equipment purchases and surplus declarations, underscoring how central that inventory is to routine road work. County officials have not yet laid out any public plan for recovery or replacement.
Cause Still Under Investigation
The fire marshal is on scene investigating how the blaze started, and investigators have not yet released any details about the cause, according to KOCO. Fire crews reported treating several firefighters for heat exhaustion while they worked the fire. County emergency managers have asked residents to stay clear of the area while crews remain on site and to report any information that might help investigators.
High Fire Danger Set The Stage
The region was already facing elevated fire danger earlier in the week, with the National Weather Service issuing a fire warning for southern Blaine County after fast-moving wildfires near Greenfield and Hitchcock, according to coverage by KFOR. Authorities have not linked those fires to the District One blaze, and investigators continue to stress that the cause here is still under review. Emergency officials again reminded residents to follow guidance from local managers and to avoid driving into smoke.
County Faces Long Road On Rebuilding
Blaine County commissioners will now have to document the losses and decide whether to repair, rebuild or replace the damaged equipment. The commission routinely handles procurement, auctions and surplus declarations in open meetings, and posted agendas and minutes show District One items frequently appearing on the board docket, including equipment and surplus listings, as in an example agenda from Blaine County. This article will be updated as the fire marshal and county officials release more information.
