Grain dryer fire at Kludt Farms causes significant damage, no injuries

Photos by Tom Rivers

KENDALL – Firefighters at the Murray Joint Fire District are high on the ladder truck dousing a fire at the grain dryer at Kludt Farms this afternoon 1161 West Kendall Rd.

Firefighters were dispatched to the scene at about 5 p.m. Smoke was coming from the grain dryer and there were flames.

Firefighters first tried getting water from a hose on the grain dryer, using a lift from the farm. Then Murray arrived with its ladder truck.

Albion firefighters apply water from another side of the grain dryer.

The farm recently harvested wheat which was wet from the heavy rainfall on Thursday. Kludt was using the grain facility to dry out the wheat.

No one was injured in the fire and it is under investigation, said Sgt. Adam Hazel of the Orleans County Sheriff’s Office.

Kludt family members and employees work to get burnt and soggy wheat out of the grain dryer.

Albion firefighters get water on the hot grain dryer. Firefighters responded from Albion, Kendall, Carlton, Murray and Hamlin, as well as the Orleans County Emergency Management Office.

Andrew Kludt of the Kludt Farms posted this message on the Orleans Hub Facebook page: “Thank you to everyone who came to our aid. And thank you for all the well wishes and offers to help. It’s extremely appreciated. I love our small community and how everyone rallies around you in your time of need. There had to be over 100 firefighters here and everyone played a crucial role. 🙏🏻very grateful everyone is going home safe tonight.”