Nevis, Minnesota grocery store and cafe destroyed in fire; Cause under investigation

NEVIS, MINN. – A fire destroyed the Northwoods Grocery & Cafe in Nevis, Minnesota, early Tuesday.

The blaze began in the basement around 5:45 a.m. and was not fully extinguished until mid-afternoon.

The business and area residents were evacuated due to the location of some propane tanks and a gas station attached to the building.

Firefighters from Nevis, Park Rapids, and Akeley battled the fire.

Nevis fire chief Brent Nicklason described the blaze as a major loss for the small community, because of the store’s role in providing necessities.

The cause of the fire is being investigated by the State Fire Marshall’s Office and the Hubbard County Sheriff’s Office.