Brookings community looking to bounce back following business fire

BROOKINGS, S.D. (Dakota News Now) – Authorities in Brookings are investigating a fire that broke out in a downtown building early Monday morning.

Photojournalist Dave Hauck was in Brookings and spoke with residents who are looking to rally back after the blow to the downtown business community.

We’re told the fire started in the rear of the business around 5 a.m. before quickly engulfing the building.

“It was pretty intense. Some of the surrounding foliage was on fire. Over the course of the day, it slowly made its way out toward the alley and front toward the street here,” said Brookings resident Keaton Spence.

Nearby stores and apartments were also affected by the fire.

“Brost’s Fashions, and then Seven Songbirds is next door to them, were the two that were most affected by the fire. We can be fortunate that if this were to happen, it did happen after the holidays. That’s usually an extremely busy time for downtown. And that SDSU isn’t in session right now. So, some of the apartments were empty because students weren’t living here in town then,” said Downtown Brookings Executive Director Kristen Gjestal.

“This morning was definitely a surprise. That early in the morning, businesses aren’t open. So, we were slated to have a class this morning, but we were met with police cars and thankfully, we weren’t in the building at the time, which is just adjoining,” said Prairie Soul Yoga owner Megan Nelson.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation. No injuries were reported.

“It’s always horrible to see. I think of all of us owning businesses, not able to get in. It’s Monday, we’re ready to tackle the week. It’s the end of the year, we have inventory to do. But the Brookings community has already rallied around, everybody offering help and support,” said Nelson.

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