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Disasters
Dan Gunderson and The Associated Press

Fire destroys 4 buildings in downtown Alexandria

Firefighters outside a fire that destroyed several buildings in Alexandria
Firefighters outside a fire that destroyed several buildings in downtown Alexandria, Minn., on Tuesday.
Paola Belloso | KVRR-TV via AP

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Updated: 5:13 p.m.

Firefighters battled a massive fire Tuesday that destroyed part of downtown Alexandria in western Minnesota and forced the evacuation of about two dozen residents. No injuries were reported.

City officials said the fire has destroyed four buildings that housed five businesses. Crews were demolishing those buildings in the 500 block of Broadway Street, which is also Highway 29, to make sure the fire does not spread, according to the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office. Businesses within the block include RM Tattoo, Raapers Eatery & Ale, Charlie’s Bazaar, Hidden Treasures and Little Darlings Children’s Boutique.

Crews were called around 4:30 a.m. About 120 firefighters from six fire departments battled the fire.

June Roers, who runs Roers Family Bakery across the street from the fire, said she and her husband spent the morning feeding firefighters, distraught employees and renters.

“People that work in these buildings are totally devastated. They don't know what to do. They have no jobs. They have no nothing. They've been watching the fire,” Roers said. “But basically it's all out. The people standing around watching have left. There's been a lot of people taking pictures on their phones, and we've had drones flying around out here.”

About 20 people who live above the businesses have been displaced by the fire. 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, president of the city’s downtown merchants group and co-owner of Creative Touch Boutique, a clothing and gift shop, said her business and others have sustained significant smoke damage.

Mayor Sara Carlson said she's relieved no one was injured or killed, but the loss of four businesses leaves a big hole downtown.

"It’s just absolutely heartbreaking to our community, that much devastation you know on our main street, historic buildings, people who lost their businesses. It's really tough," Carlson said.

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.