Photo by Miles Layton Martins Ferry firefighters work on the still smoldering buildings in downtown Martins Ferry on Sunday.

MARTINS FERRY – Area firefighters battled a blaze that damaged several businesses this morning in the downtown business district.

Martins Ferry fire Chief Mike Reese said the fire started at about 3:30 a.m. in the Fourth Street block at the intersection of Hanover Street. No one was hurt by the fire that damaged several building in that heavily traveled part of the city. He said the Ohio Fire Marshal’s office is investigating the cause of the fire.

Wayne Hill was headed to Grace Presbyterian Church nearby when he saw the smoke and flames.

“The first responders did a heck of a job,” said Hill, 90, of Martins Ferry. “There was a lot of smoke and flames everywhere. It was amazing – a sight I didn’t expect to see.”

Jim Albert was on the scene at about 6:30 a.m. to open Grace Presbyterian Church. He pointed to the smoldering brick building across the street from the church where the glass from several second floor windows was missing.

“There were flames coming out; a firetruck out front,” he said.

Albert shook his head as he saw the smoke rising from the burning buildings. He reflected about how his father father, Bill, had worked at Winters True Value Hardware on Fourth Street many years ago, but now that business is in ruins.

“It’s a shame – that’s at least half a city block,” said Albert, 48, of Martins Ferry. “There will be a lot of business that will be affected.”