Firefighters at the scene confer as investigators looked for the point of origin of the fire.

POTSDAM -- Investigators are looking for the cause of a fire in downtown Potsdam this morning that damaged a business storefront and three stories of apartments.

The downtown area was full of firefighters, hoses, trucks, lights and detours as several area volunteer fire departments worked to get the upper hand against the blaze.

It is not yet known how or where the blaze began. The fire did damage to the former Scanlon's Auto Parts, 6 Depot St., and several apartments up to the third floor of the building.

Several fire companies were on the scene. Potsdam Assistant Fire Chief Danielle Rose said they got the call at around 5 a.m. They were followed quickly by departments from West Potsdam, Norwood, Hannawa Falls, West Stockholm and Parishville, while Norfolk volunteers stood by at the Potsdam station.

A section of Market Street was blocked off to allow fire vehicles and equipment room to maneuver.

The blaze was knocked down fairly quickly, Rose said.

No injuries were immediately reported.

About 50 firefighters and rescue personnel were on scene with the sheriff's deputies directing traffic. Firefighters were seen battling flames on the roof around 6:30 a.m. Fire damage is evident in the store, and windows were broken out on a first floor apartment and the window frame was blackened. Smoke was still being drawn out of the building by fans at 8 a.m.

Firefighters did not say the cold this morning was any impediment to firefighting, though the cold was not pleasant.

The blaze was reported shortly after 5 a.m., according to Potsdam police.

At 7:30 a.m., the fire appeared to be out and some departments were packing up to leave.