Fire Causes Heavy Damage To Minneapolis Businesses

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) -- A fire has caused severe damage to several businesses in north Minneapolis, and officials say at least three buildings are a total loss.

The Minneapolis Fire Department says crews were called to a report of a fire in a business at Freemont and Lowry Avenues North about 10:00 p.m. Saturday.

Assistant Chief Charles Brynteson said in a statement that several of the buildings, which adjoined each other, sustained severe damage, including partial wall collapses, as well as roof and floor collapses.

The cause of the fire has not been determined.

Nobody was in the buildings when the fire broke out, and no firefighters were injured.

Crews remained on the scene late into the night.

The businesses included a printing shop and a beauty salon.