Pump Failure Caused Minnesota Ethanol Plant Fire

FERGUS FALLS, Minn. (AP) - The Fergus Falls Fire Department says a hydraulic pump failure led to a fire at an ethanol plant.

The fire broke out Monday at the Green Plains Renewable Energy Otter Tail ethanol plant just outside of Fergus Falls.

Reports say that because the hydraulic pump failed, a damper did not open. That caused higher than normal temperatures and a fire. Smoke from the fire was drawn into the dryer, causing a smoke explosion in the dryer building.

Green Plains is still assessing the damage, and a damage estimate is not yet available. No one was hurt.