7000 Turkeys Die in Stearns Co Fire

A barn was destroyed and thousands of turkeys died in a fire in Stearns County last week east of Sauk Centre.

The Sheriff’s Office says at about 10:30 last Tuesday night (April 30), they received a call of a turkey barn on fire at 39356 McCormick Lake Road.

The 64’ by 200’ barn was fully engulfed at the time of the call.

The owner, 46-year-old Peter Klaphake of Sauk Centre, said there were approximately 7000 turkeys in the barn at the time of the fire.

The barn appeared to be a total loss.

Further investigation indicated that the fire likely started in the mechanical room on the northwest side of the building.