Repair shop fire near Wiota

No injuries were reported, but at least a half-dozen motorcycles which had been scheduled to be repaired were destroyed, during a shop fire this (Monday) morning, about three-miles southeast of Wiota. Dave Fredericksen runs the repair shop, located at 58282 690th Street as a hobby. He’ also a member of the Wiota Volunteer Fire Department who fought to save metal building. Fredericksen says he thinks he knows what caused the blaze, which was reported shortly after 8-a.m.

He told KJAN News a corn furnace on the north side of the building is what likely caused the fire, which destroyed the building and about seven motorcycles, along with other equipment. Firefighters from Anita, Cumberland and Wiota were called to the scene, and were still battling some stubborn flames fanned by gusty winds, late into the morning. Fredericksen could not immediately provide a cost estimate on the loss. A 1983 Honda Goldwing motorcycle was one of those lost to the flames. The owner, who was also on the scene, said he had planned to take the bike out to California this summer, by traveling along Route 66. It was in the shop for some carburetor work.