BARNESVILLE, Minn.  — A fire that destroyed the Clay County Highway Department building in Barnesville caused at least $3 million in damage.

Assistant Clay County Engineer Nathan Gannon tells The Forum of Fargo that two road graders worth about $200,000 each were lost Tuesday afternoon, including one that was purchased last week.

Three plow trucks and another vehicle were also destroyed inside the 50-foot-by-100-foot building. The building and all its contents were considered a total loss.

Gannon says officials are working to rent backup equipment in anticipation of a snowstorm that is forecast to hit the area early Thursday.

Clay County Sheriff Bill Bergquist says the cause of the fire is under investigation. The fire was spotted about 3:30 p.m. Tuesday.

Bergquist says the building and equipment are insured by the county.