Dunkirk Fire Department reports the blaze started at 535 Columbus Ave. and was reported by multiple 911 callers at 6:35 a.m. Tuesday. Upon arrival, crews found the location fully involved and the neighboring 533 Columbus Ave. site heavily involved. While the 535 Columbus Ave. site was determined to be a vacant structure, 533 Columbus Ave. was occupied with all occupants able to escape without injury.

Multiple hose lines were pulled in an effort to stop the spread of the rapidly advancing fire that was endangering multiple structures surrounding the original fire.

In addition to the hose lines, an elevated master water stream was deployed for containment.

Three other structures sustained moderate heat damage to their exteriors.

The location at 535 Columbus Ave. was vacant, according to city firefighters.

The Red Cross is assisting 10 occupants who resided at 533 Columbus. There were no injuries to civilians or firefighters.

Investigators were on the scene to determine the cause of the fire.

Mutual aid was received from East Dunkirk Fire, Fredonia Fire, Chautauqua County EMS and Alstar EMS.