02/25/2020
At 4:34 a.m. a fire was reported near Raappers bar, a business in the historical down town of Alexandria. Fire Crews from six departments - Alexandria, Osakis, Garfield, Carlos, Forada and Long Prairie were on scene to extinguish the fire. Alexandria and Long Prairie both had ladder trucks on scene.
All apartments above the businesses were evacuated. Douglas County administrators told us that around 20 people are now displaced and are currently at the Alexandria Fire Department waiting further housing. the Red Cross and several other organizations are assisting them.
The start of the fire is unknown and is being investigated.
Sara Stadtherr, Alexandria's Communication Coordinator. stated that "Many people have asked how they can help the displaced residents. Their immediate needs are being met and we ask for everyone's patients in a long-term need coordination".
MNDOT has stated that Broadway/MN HWY 29 will remain closed until cleanup has finished.
Alexandria City officials stated most of the end of the block is going to need to get town down.
The Alexandria Police Department asks everyone to use caution while in the area of the fire.
We thank all other first reponders on scene including Alexandria Police and Fire, Douglas and Pope county Sheriff's Office, North memorial Ambulance Service, Osakis Fire, Garfield Fire, Long Prairie Fire, Forada Fire, Carlos Fire and all others that we didn't see.
