WADENA, Minn.– On a night with dangerously cold temperatures, Wadena Fire Department crews led an effort to put out an apartment fire in downtown Wadena.

Fire fighters arrived to the scene and have been fighting the flames since late Sunday evening. The Wadena Fire Department, along with several surrounding area fire departments, have been battling a fire at an apartment complex near Bryant Ave and 2nd St SE in Wadena.

Fire officials are reminding everyone to please avoid this area to give the firefighters and other utility trucks room to work safely.

Wadena Police Department said in a statement on Facebook that they will post an update when there is more information to share. Wadena County Human Services will be opening at 8:30am today (2/17) for those impacted by last night’s apartment fire.

“We are in need of gift cards to Walmart to purchase coats, boots and toiletry items. Many people lost everything they own. We cannot accept cash and we cannot accept used items,” said Wadena Count Human Services announced in a statement posted on Facebook. Human Services is open to drop off gift cards. Please take them to the front desk and they will be logged in and given to the displaced people. Thank you so much!”

We will continue to update this story when more information arrives.