Fire claims 2 businesses in town

A fire destroyed two businesses and damaged two more in the small Manitoba town of Austin on Sunday.

RCMP and several local area fire departments responded at about 11 a.m. to the blaze, which first ripped through Kathie's Beauty Salon as well as an attached living suite.

The flames then spread and destroyed Ernie's Warehouse.

The fire alsocaused smoke and fire damage to two other nearby businesses, RCMP said.

No one was hurt but damages are estimated to be in the range of several hundred thousand dollars, RCMP said.

The RCMP and Manitoba Office of the Fire Commissioner are investigating the fire, which is not considered suspicious.

Austin hasone elementary school and two grocery stores. It's located about 120 kilometres west of Winnipeg.