Fire Destroys Nelson Services Building In NW Minn.

THIEF RIVER FALLS, Minn. (AP) -- Fire crews had to battle subzero temperatures as they fought a blaze that destroyed the Nelson Services building in northwest Minnesota.

Temperatures were 17 below zero Tuesday as firefighters worked for hours to get the blaze under control.

Thief River Falls co-Fire Chief Jerry Stenseth tells WDAZ-TV that firefighters' equipment was not working properly because of the frigid weather.

The business owner says one of his employees had to jump out of a second-story window to escape the burning building.

Firefighters from Thief River Falls got help from Goodridge, Warren and St. Hillaire fire departments.

Nelson Services does work for railroads. A damage estimate was not available, and the fire's cause is under investigation.

(© Copyright 2011 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)