FIRE ON RENAISSANCE FESTIVAL GROUNDS

Several buildings on the Renaissance Festival grounds were destroyed by a fire Thursday night.  Shakopee fire officials say they received a call about multiple buildings on fire on the grounds around 6 pm.  The grounds are located southwest of Shakopee between the Minnesota River and Highway 169 and somewhat isolated so there was a lack of water supply which created challenges for fire crews.  Twelve fire departments responded and had the fires mostly extinguished by 8 pm.  Fire officials say five connected wooden structures burned.  There is no word on a cause although thunderstorms with lightening moved through the area and the State Fire Marshall’s office is investigating.  No injuries were reported.   The Renaissance Festival is scheduled to open in August.