HILLCREST, NY - Hillcrest firefighters battled an early-morning blaze that caused heavy fire damage to at least four stores as well as damage to others.

Shortly before 4:00 A.M. on July 8th, the Hillcrest FD, along with mutual aid from Monsey and Spring Valley, were dispatched to 312 North Main St. for a reported structure fire. PD arrived on scene and advised they had heavy smoke showing from a pizzeria in the middle of a large strip mall. First arriving FD units arrived to find heavy fire throughout the pizzeria and spreading to the adjoining business.

Companies set up for defensive operations on the two heavily involved stores as additional lines were stretched to the exposure stores. Command requested additional mutual aid to the scene as engine companies experienced two dead hydrants and worked to find secure water supplies. Firefighters entered the D1 exposure to open the ceilings and found heavy fire in the roof area. Two ladder pipes and multiple handlines were put into operation as fire vented through the roof.

The fire was contained with the help of fire walls and knocked down within 45 minutes. Four businesses were a total loss and other stores suffered smoke and water damage. One firefighter with a minor injury was reported, and the fire is under investigation. Mutual aid from Spring Valley, Monsey, Theills, Suffern, Tallman, New City, and Nanuet assisted on scene.