MADELIA — The mayor of a small southern Minnesota city said a major fire has destroyed or damaged at least six commercial buildings on Main Street.

Firefighters battled the blaze in the Watonwan County community of Madelia early Wednesday.

Madelia Mayor Mike Grote told The Associated Press the fire burning in six to eight buildings apparently started with an explosion in one of the businesses about 3 a.m. Grote said he knows of no injuries.

He said the brick and wood buildings are on the north side of Main Street and include a furniture store, Culligan Water and a restaurant. The city of about 2,300 is located along the Watonwan River and is about 25 miles southwest of Mankato.

The area is dealing with the aftermath of a powerful storm that closed highways in southern Minnesota Tuesday.