Madelia house destroyed by fire

MADELIA — A rural Madelia home was destroyed by fire believed to have started from a cigarette dropped into grass.

Firefighters from three departments were called to the fire at 47632 Amber Road southeast of Madelia in Blue Earth County at about 5:30 p.m. Monday.

The homeowner said a pet bumped a cigarette out of the homeowner’s hand, according to a Madelia Fire Department announcement. The cigarette started grass on fire and quickly spread to a deck and then to the house and a ravine. The house was engulfed and collapsed.

The Fire Department warned citizens to be extra cautious with any flame or heat source during current weather conditions:

“Madelia Fire wants to remind people that these dry conditions coupled with strong winds is the perfect mixture for disaster.”