Several buildings in the central business district of Cherry Grove — one of the two gay and lesbian vacation destinations on Fire Island — were destroyed when a massive fire broke out early Friday morning.

According to Pix11, the "fast-moving" blaze began around 1:30am and continued to burn beyond the last report at 6:30am.

Several local outlets claim the blaze completely destroyed a handful of private homes and the Holly House apartment complex, as well as a better half of the Grove Hotel. Though it's not explicitly stated in initial reports, the disaster seems to have spared the Ice Palace, a club attached to the hotel that serves as the community's only late-night venue.

As many as 70 firefighters across nine fire departments on Long Island responded to the fire, as well as seven mainland ambulance companies and all of Fire Island's fire departments. Three firefighters reportedly suffered minor injuries.

Four years ago, a similar devastating fire claimed most of the central business district in The Pines, the other gay community on Fire Island. The extensive damage to several businesses and restaurants required a major overhaul in rebuilding a brand new downtown district.

[caption id="attachment_190662" align="alignnone" width="720"] Photo courtesy of Romeo Jeffrie Mc Lean[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_190664" align="alignnone" width="720"] Photo courtesy of Romeo Jeffrie Mc Lean[/caption]