Fire destroys historic buildings in downtown Melrose

A fire that swept through downtown Melrose, Minn., on Thursday destroyed historic buildings and displaced businesses and residents.

Melrose Mayor Joe Finken said the fire broke out around noon on Thursday. At least three of the oldest buildings on the city's main street are a total loss, Finken said.

"Those three buildings were interconnected, so you had wall that went through both buildings, so it was really hard to chase a fire like that," said Finken, who has also served on the city's fire department.

Above five businesses and the residents of about six apartments have been displaced, Finken said.

"The Red Cross was on scene by about 3 o'clock already, they were there and trying to help the residents," Finken said. "And a few of the other facilities in Melrose are trying to find lodging for the people until they can get their feet back on the ground again."

Firefighters from Freeport and Sauk Centre helped to put out the fire. The state fire marshal's office is investigating how the fire may have started.

Another fire in March that Finken said has been classified as arson damaged the Church of St. Mary in Melrose.