Minneapolis Rocked by Downtown Fire, Causing Millions in Damage

Minneapolis Rocked by Downtown Fire, Causing Millions in DamageMinneapolis Rocked by Downtown Fire, Causing Millions in Damage A devastating fire tore through downtown Minneapolis on Wednesday, leaving behind a trail of destruction and millions of dollars in estimated damage. The blaze started shortly after midnight in the historic Plymouth Building, a 15-story building located at 6th Street and Hennepin Avenue. Firefighters responded within minutes and battled the blaze for hours, but the intense flames quickly spread through the building and adjacent structures. The fire eventually encompassed several buildings, including the Macy’s department store and a number of other businesses. As of Thursday morning, the fire had been contained but was still burning in certain areas. Firefighters continued to monitor the situation and extinguish any remaining flames. The extent of the damage is still being assessed, but officials estimate that it could reach tens of millions of dollars. The fire has displaced hundreds of people who lived and worked in the affected buildings. The Red Cross is providing shelter and assistance to those affected. The cause of the fire is still under investigation. However, preliminary reports suggest that it may have started in an electrical room in the Plymouth Building. The fire has been a major setback for downtown Minneapolis, which was already struggling due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The destruction of several businesses and cultural landmarks is a significant economic loss for the city. Mayor Jacob Frey called the fire “a devastating blow to our downtown.” He vowed to support the recovery efforts and rebuild the affected areas. “We will get through this together,” Frey said. “We will rise from this and emerge stronger than ever before.” The fire is a reminder of the importance of fire safety and prevention measures. Businesses and residents should ensure that their buildings are equipped with smoke detectors and fire extinguishers, and that they have an emergency evacuation plan in place.