Springs Auto in Wessington Springs is smoldering rubble following an overnight fire. Fire Chief Keith Wetzel says three fire departments were dispatched early Tuesday morning…
Small flames could be seen six hours later, while smoke continued to exit the structure. The apartment building to the north and motel to the east of the dealership were not damaged by the fire and despite strong south winds, Wetzel says embers were not an issue considering the dry conditions on the ground. Wetzel says no firefighters were injured despite a number of risks…
[audio:http://prprt.itmwpb.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/688/2012/01/springsautofire2.mp3|titles=springsautofire2]Most of the dealerships inventory was moved off the lot but at least three
vehicles in the showroom including a brand new Camaro were lost and three to four vehicles were in the service shop at the time. Wetzel says the loss of Springs Auto is big for the town and himself…
The State Fire Marshall’s office has been contacted to help determine a cause. Springs Auto survived contraction efforts by General Motors in 2009 to drop the GM line of vehicles at the facility. Spring Auto also sells the Ford brand. No damage estimate has been made.