The fire started Monday morning at the Edmondson Village Shopping Center. Fire Department spokesman Battalion Chief Kevin Cartwright says the flames spread to three adjacent businesses - a women's clothing store, a hair and beauty supply store and a sandwich shop.
The rear of one of the businesses has collapsed, and firefighters were ordered outside of the building as smoke and fire worsened.
Cartwright says 12 other businesses have been evacuated as a precaution. No injuries have been reported.
(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
