Fire destroys outbuilding in Town of Pine River

On Saturday, Nov. 29, 2025, at 3:05 p.m., the Pine River Fire Department responded to a report of a structure fire at W4008 Cty. Rd. G in the Town of Pine River east of Merrill.
The initial dispatch report was that an outbuilding containing an automobile was on fire, and that a 100-gallon propane tank was near the building. Upon arrival, Deputies from the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office reported heavy fire and smoke showing from the unoccupied structure.
When firefighters arrived, they found the steel frame building fully engulfed in flames. In addition to the snowstorm, cold, and windy weather, firefighters faced a fuel load that included oil, diesel, tires, straw, and other landscaping material.
However, Mother Nature assisted firefighters by providing a strong wind that pushed the fire away from the propane tank and a nearby home.
A MABAS Box Alarm was requested at the onset of the call, bringing additional resources from Hewitt, Merrill, Russell, and Texas Fire Departments to the scene to provide additional manpower, water, and equipment.