Associated Press - May 16, 2009 10:55 AM ET

LONG BEACH, N.Y. (AP) - A fire destroyed nine stores on a commercial strip on Long Island, injuring one firefighter.

Long Beach fire officials say the blaze began just after 3 a.m. in an investment firm. It spread to eight other businesses, including a restaurant, a bank, a shoe store and a clothing store.

About 200 firefighters from 10 departments responded to the four-alarm fire, which took about four hours to put out.

The cause is under investigation. A Long Beach fire spokesman says one firefighter sustained a minor injury.

Information from: Newsday, http://www.newsday.com

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