27 people lose homes as fire claims small ND town

[October 18, 2012]  BUCYRUS, N.D. (AP) -- Authorities say a wind-fueled wildfire has all but destroyed a tiny southwestern North Dakota town, displacing all 27 residents.

Adams County State's Attorney Aaron Roseland says Bucyrus (byoo-SY'-ruhs) is "pretty much completely lost" after the fire gusted through Wednesday. No major injuries have been reported.

Roseland says all Bucyrus' residents have been evacuated, and a shelter has been established in the nearby town of Hettinger, about 60 miles south of Dickinson.

Fire Chief Ryan Schumacher of Scranton says firefighters had the blaze under control late Wednesday despite winds gusting more than 60 mph.

Authorities are investigating the cause of the blaze.

Schumacher says "the town is basically gone."

[Associated Press]

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