WATCH: Morristown Fire Damages Apartments, Businesses

A fire damaged several downtown businesses in Morristown late Friday, and strong winds and freezing temperatures hampered efforts, police said.

MorristownGreen.com said several businesses and apartments were heavily damaged in the blaze, including Del’s Novelty & Party Supply Co., a Morristown landmark. Frank Manniello of the American Red Cross told the website that it’s possible that nine families lost their apartments in the fire.

At approximately 11:14pm, emergency personnel received reports of a smoke condition in the area of Elm Street and Morris Street. Morristown Police say they responded and determined that there were visible flames noted in the rear of the buildings in the area of 82-88 Elm St.

The Morristown Fire Bureau encountered a “heavy fire condition” upon their arrival, which was hampered by freezing temperatures and very strong winds, police said.

Around 3 a.m., the area remained an active fire scene with numerous assisting agencies working together to bring this situation under control, police said.

Morris Street was be closed between Pine Street and Ridgedale Avenue, and Elm Street was closed from Franklin Street to Morris Street. Motorists were to expect traffic delays as a result of the ongoing emergency activity.