Firefighters called out in Ossian

The Winneshiek County Sheriff's Office received a 9-1-1 call from Farmers Union Coop in Ossian at 12:15 Friday afternoon, advising dispatchers of a fire at the old fertilizer plant still containing fertilizer across from DeSales School and the Childcare Center.

Fire crews from Ossian, Calmar, Castalia and Decorah were paged to the scene.  Winneshiek County Emergency Management, Calmar Police and the Winneshiek County Sheriff's Office also responded to the scene. 

Due to the volatility of the situation and number of children in close proximity, students were evacuated from DeSales School and Childcare Center.  Fire crews were able to quickly contain and control the fire, making the scene safe. 

Since evacuation had already begun, as a precautionary measure, students were relocated to South Winn Elementary School. It was soon determined that no further evacuation of the surrounding neighborhood was needed.  In less than one hour students were able to return to the school and childcare center.