Firefighters battled a massive fire throughout the day Tuesday that destroyed part of downtown Alexandria in western Minnesota and forced the evacuation of about two dozen residents.
More than 100 firefighters from multiple departments worked to put out the fire. Crews were called around 4:30 a.m. Tuesday and had the fire under control by mid-afternoon. Crews will continue to monitor the ruins for flare-ups.
City officials said the fire has destroyed four buildings. Crews demolished those buildings to make sure the fire did not spread.
“All these buildings have tenants above. They are all out and safe, but everything they have is completely destroyed,” Amy Lesnar, owner of the Creative Touch Boutique, a clothing and gift shop, told the Star Tribune. “They were literally woken up and evacuated.”
About 20 people who live above the businesses have been displaced by the fire, but no injuries are reported. The American Red Cross is assisting the residents. Officials say the needs of the displaced residents are being met, and there is no need for donations, other than money.
Pam Botker, co-owner of Creative Touch and president of the city’s Downtown Merchants Association, said her business and others have sustained significant smoke damage.
The area around the fire is barricaded, and people are asked to avoid the area.
Douglas County Emergency Manager Julie Anderson said the cause of the fire is under investigation. The state fire marshal’s office is helping in the investigation.
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