A portion of a car dealership in Loretto suffered significant damage during an overnight fire, authorities said.
More than 100 firefighters from 14 departments fought the blaze at the Laurent Motor Cafe on Hwy. 55.
Crews had to truck water to the scene because there were no hydrants in the vicinity of the business, which made putting out the fire more difficult, said Loretto Fire Chief Jeff Leuer.
Still, crews were able to contain the fire to the garage area where the dealership does repairs and detailing. The office and showroom were saved.
Five vehicles were damaged, Leuer said.
A passerby spotted flames coming from the east end of the building around 11:20 p.m., Tuesday. The fire was put out around 2 a.m., Wednesday, Leuer said.
No firefighters or law enforcement were hurt. Nobody was inside the dealership at the time, Leuer said.
Hwy. 55 was closed for about four hours between Pioneer Trail and County Road 19.
It was not immediately known how the fire started. Members of the Hennepin County Fire Investigation Team are investigating.
Laurent Motor Cafe was established in the fall of 2007, according to its website.
Tim Harlow • 612-673-7768
