Stearns County House/Garage Fire

A house and garage were destroyed by fire Thursday night north of Paynesville.

At just before 10pm, the Sheriff’s Office received a call of a fire at 22123 293rd Ave in Zion Township.

The caller stated their attached garage was on fire and heavy smoke and flames could be seen coming from the home.

The Paynesville Fire Department arrived on scene and began to extinguish the flames.

The fire is believed to have started near an outside wood burner.

The garage and home are considered a total loss.