State Fire Marshal: ‘Cause of Rohler Rink fire undetermined’

Published 10:14 am Tuesday, September 21, 2021

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The cause of the fire that destroyed the Rohler Rink in Brownsdale is “undetermined,” according to a report by Steve Wolf, lead investigator from the Minnesota State Fire Marshal Division.

The fire occurred on the night of Saturday, Sept. 4, and was reported at about 10:47 p.m. by a neighbor who was returning home and saw smoke coming from the Rohler Rink, located at 317 Market St. in Brownsdale. The building was unoccupied at the time.

The Brownsdale Fire Department responded to the scene and received mutual aid from the Adams, Austin, Dexter and Rose Creek Fire Departments. The Brownsdale Police Department, Mower County Sheriff’s Office and Minnesota State Patrol also responded to the scene.

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One firefighter sustained non-life threatening injuries and another suffered from smoke inhalation, according to Brownsdale Fire Chief David Pike.

Wolf stated in the report that the damage hampered the investigation.

“Based upon the severity of damage to the structure, contents, wiring, and any electrical items, it is not possible to even determine an exact area of origin,” Wolf noted in his report. “We concluded the day with an undetermined area of origin and cause.”

The building and its contents are a total loss.