(Madison, MN) According to the Lac qui Parle County Sheriff’s Office a large fire broke out at the Midwest Machinery John Deere dealer in Madison, MN on Tuesday March 21st, 2023. Law Enforcement, fire and ambulance crews were dispatched at 7:12pm. Mutual Aid was immediately called in by Madison Fire, including pumper trucks and fire fighting crews to help control the blaze. A local gas line was also ruptured feeding the flames engaging in a difficult battle that lasted for hours.

15 immediate homes and two apartments in the area were evacuated. A reunification center was set up at the Madison Mercantile to receive immediate lodging and care and plans, as well as to receive updates from friends and family. A citywide water restriction was also put in pace to save the resources for firefighting. The smoke plume was reported to have been smelled by residents up to 10 miles away

Over 60 personnel responded to this incident 23 different agencies including: Madison Fire, Madison Ambulance, City of Madison, Lac qui Parle County Sheriff’s  Office, Lac qui Parle County Emergency Management, Countryside Public Health, Dawson Fire, Marietta Fire, Marietta Ambulance, Montevideo Fire, Ortonville Fire, Bellingham Fire, Appleton Fire, Canby Fire, Nassau Fire, Milan Fire, Boyd Fire, Odessa Fire, Big Stone Fire, Revillo Fire, Milbank Fire, Grand County SD Emergency Management and the Minnesota Highway Patrol.

The fire is completely under control and residents have been allowed to return to their homes with the smoke plume having subsided. Fire crews continued to work on locating hotspots and tearing down parts of the building. No injuries were reported.

The primary offices and shop building of Midwest Machinery have been deemed a total loss. The cause of the fire is not immediately known and is currently under investigation.