Devastating Fire Destroys Multiple Businesses in Hicksville, Long Island

Overnight Fire Ravages Hicksville Businesses

• 🏠 A massive fire engulfed a building housing multiple businesses in Hicksville, Nassau County.
• 🚒 Over 120 firefighters battled the blaze, which started just after midnight with reports of heavy smoke from a basement.
• ⚠️ Firewalls within the building prevented the entire row of businesses on Marie Street from being destroyed, but the damage is still tremendous.

Businesses Impacted by the Blaze

• 💔 A beloved doughnut and coffee shop, a community staple since the 1970s, was severely damaged.
• 🆕 A halal shop, which had only opened two weeks prior, was also ravaged by the fire.
• ⛪ A Korean church was among the establishments affected by the devastating incident.

Firefighter Response and Investigation

• 🤕 One firefighter sustained minor injuries but was treated and released at the scene.
• 💥 The floor of the building collapsed into the basement shortly after crews began fighting the fire from the exterior.
• 🔍 The cause of the fire is still under investigation by the fire marshal's office, with initial reports mentioning potential causes like a gas leak, though this is unconfirmed.

Community Impact and Owner Reactions

• 😥 Business owners expressed heartbreak and desperation, with one couple owning the doughnut shop since 1977 describing their customers as family.
• 🗣️ Workers from the halal shop rushed to the scene after being notified of the destruction, expressing shock and disbelief.
• 📍 The halal restaurant was the only business occupied at the time of the fire, but all individuals inside were able to evacuate safely.