MADELIA, Minn. - A major fire destroyed six to eight businesses Wednesday morning in downtown Madelia in southern Minnesota
The city is about 2,300 is about 25 miles southwest of Mankato, Minn.
Madelia Mayor Mike Grote told radio station KTOE of Mankato that the fire started about 3 a.m. on the north side of the downtown business district and spread quickly along Main Street. He said he had heard reports of an explosion at a flower shop on that end of downtown.
Culligans, American Family Insurance, a Mexican restaurant, sewing shop, gift shop, dental office and hair salon all caught fire after an explosion from one of the businesses.
Tuesday’s blizzard and closed roads made it difficult for emergency responders to reach the scene.
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Mayor Mike Grote says the loss of so many businesses on Main Street is a big blow to the city.
“You know, we’ll never fully recover,” he told KTOE.
Two firefighters were treated for smoke inhalation and eye irritation after battling the blaze, but no injuries have been reported. The cause of the fire is still under investigation.
