Fire destroys string of stores along West Tremont in Morris Heights

Streets were blocked off and smoke could be seen for miles as firefighters battled a blaze Tuesday along West Tremont and Davidson avenues in Morris Heights.

According to officials, the fire began in a vacant store and quickly spread to the other 10 adjacent businesses. Sixteen firefighters were injured and taken to area hospitals. A church, beauty salon, auto body shop, restaurant, insurance company, clothing store and a bodega were badly damaged.

The fire chief on the scene says it is too soon to tell whether the string of stores will need to be torn down. Fire marshals are investigating the cause of the blaze.