A fire inside the Richland County Highway Department maintenance shop in Hankinson on Monday night resulted in fire damage to nine county vehicles and the building sustained extensive damage according to Richland County Emergency Manager Brett Lambrecht.

The Richland County Sheriff’s Office said 911 received a call from a person driving past the building around 7:30 p.m. and observed smoke coming from the building.

When fire crews arrived, the building was filled with smoke and fire was discovered inside.

Among the vehicles damaged were five plow trucks, three motor graders and a semi with a belly dump. Other items that were damaged included a Bobcat skid steer, a forklift, welding equimpent and other items around the shop.

Lambrecht also said one of the main communication towers and electrical equipment used to page fire and ambulance was also damaged.

Fire Departments from Hankinson, Lidgerwood, Fairmount, Great Bend and Wahpeton responded to the call, along with the Hankinson Ambulance Department and Richland County Emergency Management.

The North Dakota State Fire Marshall’s Office is investigating the incident.

There were no injuries reported.