The tiny North Dakota town of Bucyrus and its residents experienced the wrath of Mother Nature this week, as a wind-swept fire barreled through the southwestern town, destroying buildings and memories at the same time.
No one was killed in the wildfire, which roared through the town of 27 residents behind winds reaching 60 miles per hour. Before it was tamed, the fire stretched for nearly 10 miles.
Local officials described the town as "pretty much completely lost."
Authorities were investigating the cause of the fire, which was battled by firefighters from agencies in North Dakota and South Dakota. Officials also reported that drivers with water trucks from the oil patch also were on the scene to offer assistance.
We're thankful no one was injured or killed, especially considering the speed at which the fire was spread by the strong winds that continued all day Wednesday and Thursday across much of the state. And we're heartened by reports of neighbors and residents in nearby communities opening up their homes to fire victims. A shelter was also set up Wednesday night in nearby Hettinger.
Displaced residents who lost their homes and possessions will have a long road to recovery, but the helping hands extended already from neighbors and strangers should be reassuring to the victims, letting them know that they are not alone and will not be forgotten.