GRAND MARAIS, Minn. -- Crews from Grand Marais and neighbouring communities were called out Monday afternoon to battle a fire in the heart of the northeastern Minnesota town.
The fire destroyed the Crooked Spoon restaurant and gift shops located on either side.
The businessses are located in the downtown area of Grand Marais, near Sven and Ole's restaurant.
“I commend the swift actions of our fire departments, the City PUC and all emergency personnel involved to contain this major fire under very difficult conditions and circumstances,” said Sheriff Pat Eliasen, in a release.
“This is a devastating loss for our community and certainly the business owners. Thankfully nobody was injured during the fire.”
High winds in the area hampered firefighting efforts.
Residents were asked not to open water taps in their homes to help preserve water pressure for firefighters.
Grand Marais Public Utilities Commission was dispatched to cut power to the area and the city also deployed a backhoe to assist firefighters to be able to knock the fire down. The Cook County Emergency Chaplains were also dispatched the Command & Rehab staging area and are supporting emergency units and business owners on scene.
The Minnesota Fire Marshal was dispatched and is in route to investigate the cause of the fire.
"It's a sad day for Grand Marais," a reporter covering the incident commented.
The fire remains under investigation.
