MADELIA, Minn. (AP) - The state fire marshal's office says it is helping investigate the cause and origin of a fire that destroyed about a half-dozen buildings in downtown Madelia.

The State Fire Marshal's Division says Wednesday's fire destroyed at least seven buildings and damaged many others in the community about 25 miles southwest of Mankato. The fire took out about two-thirds of the businesses on one side of the city's Main Street.

The state's Office of Pipeline Safety is on the scene, as are private investigators who represent several agencies and businesses.

The investigation is in its early stages and could take months to complete.

Officials say a furniture store, a dentist's office, a restaurant, an insurance agency and hair salon are among the businesses lost in the fire.

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