Fire damages businesses, apartments on Rockaway Avenue in Valley Stream

A fire that broke out in a Valley Stream barbershop located in a two-story building damaged four adjoining businesses and displaced residents in the upstairs apartments, police and business owners said.

Firefighters responded Sunday to a 5:26 p.m. fire at the Rockaway Avenue building and arrived to heavy smoke and flames pouring out of the building, according to the Nassau County Police Department.

No one was injured, Nassau police said.

Danny Jimenez, owner of Mr. D Cut Barber Shop, told Newsday late Monday that someone cleaning the shop Sunday evening called 911 to report the fire. Jimenez, who started his shop in 2003 in another location on the same street, said he was waiting to hear from investigators regarding the cause.

In an Instagram post, the barbershop said: "Thank God everyone is safe. To our clients, thank you for your support. We will be back very soon, and next week we will be sharing our new location."

The fire was not regarded as suspicious, according to police. The investigation into the fire's cause is continuing.

The American Red Cross also responded to assist the residents who had been displaced, the authorities said.

Five adults and two children from three separate households were displaced, Red Cross spokesperson Frederic Klein told Newsday via email Monday afternoon.

The owner of Anaiz Hair & Beauty said her business was damaged in the fire.

"I’m shocked," said Anaiz, the owner, who declined to give her last name.

She said there was water and fire damage throughout her business, which is next to the barbershop.

Anaiz said she employs three salon workers, who will be out of work while the repairs are made.

"This is the only thing that I have," she said. "It’s going to take me a long time to recover."