Early video shows fire & explosion that destroyed multiple businesses in small Minnesota town
The video, above, from City of Madelia Police Department shows the beginnings of a devastating fire that destroyed multiple businesses in the small town Madelia, Minnesota. The fire occurred on February 3 after 11 inches of snow fell. The video includes police dash-cam & police body-cam of the first officers on the scene, along with fire and police radio traffic.
Watch what happens at about the 14:00 mark. Town officials believe it was a backdraft that caused the explosion and sent debris that cut into hoselines.
“There were several reasons for producing this video,” Rob Prescher, Madelia Police Chief, said. “First, I believe the footage put together will be a valuable training tool for other police and fire departments, especially rural communities, in highlighting the challenges of responding to a fire in these older, historic, downtown areas.”
Secondly, Prescher said it was important for members of the public to see the challenges the weather, available resources, and other difficulties brought.
“Finally, I think the personal stories of a local community trying to fight off total disaster in the face of extremely difficult conditions, and the amount of resources poured in from the surrounding communities to help contain the blaze from taking out more of our community, is a compelling story that needs to be shared,” Prescher said.
