Fire officials are searching for what sparked a raging fire that ripped through businesses in Babylon Village early Thursday morning.
The flames destroyed several businesses on East Main Street before it was extinguished around 11 a.m.
Karen Marvin, the owner of South Shore Paddleboards, says she had just received new merchandise for the summer season.
“Nobody got hurt, which is amazing, and everything is repairable,” she told News 12. “It's just going to take some time.”
Marvin says despite the fire, her store will still hold their Earth Day Cleanup at Babylon Creek, which is set for Saturday
Fire officials believe the fire began at Empire Nutrition, which was slated to have its grand opening Thursday. Its owners were too distraught to speak with News 12.
Babylon Fire Chief Joe Fraccalvieri says there were several challenges fighting the blaze, including keeping the flames away from a boat yard and the hundreds of gallons of flammable products at the Sherwin Williams store.
The chief told News 12 that the cause of the fire is unknown and that the arson squad is investigating.
Firefighters at the scene of the Babylon fire. Photo by Ed Bell.
Firefighters at the scene of the Babylon fire. Photo by Ed Bell.