Discarded tires slowed response time. Via MFD

Fire crews battled a massive blaze early Sunday as flames tore through multiple vacant buildings along Central Avenue Northeast in Minneapolis.

The fire was first reported around 4:13 a.m. at an abandoned three-story commercial structure at 1503–1505 Central Avenue NE.

When firefighters arrived, one building was already fully engulfed and spreading rapidly to adjacent properties, the Minneapolis Fire Department said.