Three businesses were left damaged Sunday after a fire in downtown Brodhead.
Crews were sent to the 1000 block of 1st Center Avenue at around 3:25 p.m. after multiple callers reported a fire. Police said that there were people living above one of the businesses, but they were able to get out safely. The other businesses were unoccupied. Firefighters from eight different fire departments across Green, Lafayette and Rock counties, as well as two Illinois departments, were sent to the scene. Officials said the fire was contained at around 4:40 p.m. The scene was not fully cleared until 8:18 p.m.
The incident shut down traffic along 1st Center Avenue (Highway 11) near 10th Street. WisDOT reported the road closure just after 4 p.m. Sunday. The highway remained closed Monday mornings between 10th and Exchange streets while crews work to determine the structural integrity of a three-story business. Police said the building took the bulk of the damage.