Main Street fire in Madelia, Minn. destroys nearly 10 businesses

MADELIA, Minn. (KMSP) - Multiple fire departments battled a fire that destroyed or damaged at least eight businesses on Main Street in downtown Madelia early Wednesday, officials confirmed. The city is about 25 miles southwest of Mankato.

According to Madelia City Administrator Jane Piepgras, the fire started around 2:30 a.m. on the north side of the downtown business district. Plaza restaurant, Hope and Faith Floral and Gift, a Culligan store, sewing business, grocery store, dental office, insurance company, and hair salon all caught fire. The buildings are all connected.

Madelia Mayor Mike Grote told the Associated Press the fire started with an explosion in one of the businesses. Crews battled the fires for several hours due to strong winds, Piepgras said. 

The five fire departments that responded were Madelia, Louisville, La Salle, St. James, and Lake Crystal. No injuries have been reported.

Video provided by Tracy Davies McCabe