Dayton visits Madelia, says state will provide aid after fire

DFL Gov. Mark Dayton met with city officials in Madelia on Friday, and he says he's willing to do whatever he can to assist the community recover from a devastating fire.

An explosion early Wednesday set off a fire in in the small southern Minnesota town, destroying several downtown buildings. A dentist's office, flower shop, furniture store, hair salon and restaurant were among the affected businesses.

Dayton said the state will provide assistance. But he said city officials will first have to total up the cost of the damage.

"We'll be assessing the needs there and we need to pull together a funding package that involves the private insurance. The businesses all were insured. But there will be public infrastructure and the like," Dayton said. "So, it will take a little while to assess those needs, but yes, the state will definitely be providing assistance."

Dayton said he talked to one Madelia business owner who already found a new building to move into.

The Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation is also raising money to assist the fire victims.

Madelia's population is about 2,300.