Below is an updated version from an earlier story yesterday. Update is provided from Wadena Fire Dept. 

WADENA, Minn.– The Wadena Fire Department was dispatched to a report of a multi-dwelling apartment fire at 202 1/2 Jefferson Street South in downtown Wadena on Wednesday.

A section of Highway 71 near downtown Wadena had to be closed off as firefighters and other responders arrived at a call of a fire in downtown Wadena on the corner of Jefferson Street and Bryant Avenue.

Upon arrival, fire personnel observed heavy fire on the east side of the building on the building’s second story of the building off a flattop roof. Fire personnel gained entry through the east side from an exterior staircase and additional fire personnel main entry through the west side door staircase into the upstairs hallway.

Firefighters knocked down the fire quickly and ventilated the building for smoke and checked for fire extension. A total of seven apartment unit tenants were displaced. Displaced tenants are being assisted by the Red Cross. In addition, three commercial units below received water damage.

The cause of the fire is under investigation of the Wadena Fire Department and Minnesota State Fire Marshal’s Office. Assisting the Wadena Fire Department was assisted by the Verndale Fire Department, Wadena Police Department, Wadena County Sheriffs Office, Minnesota State Patrol, Tri-County Ambulance, and City of Wadena Public Works.