DEER CREEK — The Compton Town Hall was burned to the ground over the weekend after extensive damage by fire in June.
This time around the fire was started by the local Deer Creek Fire Department as part of a planned training exercise. They invited members of the Wadena Fire Department to train with them.
"This type of training allows firefighters to get real fire conditions and exposure," according to Wadena Fire Department secretary Andrew Browne.
The building would not have undergone the training exercise if not for what's believed to be a case of arson that occurred at the town hall on June 23, 2022. Deer Creek Fire Chief Travis Collins indicated that arson was suspected shortly after the scene was investigated.
The Compton Township board began meeting at the Deer Creek Community Center after the fire and continues to meet there for the foreseeable future.
Township chairman Larry Richter said the board must now work towards getting bids for cleanup of the site. They'll also continue working on plans for their future. The group was on site during the burn and documented it for historical purposes.
The fire training occurred within a week of two other structure fires that destroyed homes in Wadena.
Compton Town Hall was located at 29521 Co Hwy 73, about 3 miles east of Deer Creek.
Those with information about the original fire in the building are encouraged to call the arson hot line at 1-800-723-2020. Rewards are offered.
The Trust Project
