At least 20 residents displaced by fire in downtown Alexandria, 4 buildings demolished

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Firefighters are putting out the last hot spots after a fire in downtown Alexandria early Tuesday morning displaced "more than a dozen" residents and led to four buildings being destroyed.

The city of Alexandria said the fire was first reported at 4:34 a.m., and about 120 firefighters were working at the scene throughout the day. Firefighters and first responders from Alexandria, Garfield, Long Prairie, Carlos and Forada were at the scene.

Four buildings located in the 500 block of the west side of Broadway Street were demolished to contain the fire. The buildings housed the businesses RM Tattoo, Raapers Eatery & Ale, Hidden Treasures, Charlie's Bazaar and Little Darlings Children's Boutique.

According to a news release, at least 20 residents who lived above the businesses are displaced, and the American Red Cross is assisting them.

The video above is courtesy of Twitter user, @Nicholl31200183.

The city said no donations are being accepted at this time, but more information will be released in the coming days.

Highway 29 will stay closed to traffic from Third Avenue to Sixth Avenue.

Gov. Tim Walz also tweeted Tuesday evening, saying, "Heartbreaking news out of Alexandria. Thank you to our first responders and firefighters for your tireless work to keep Minnesotans safe. My team and I are monitoring the situation and thinking of the people of Alexandria."

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