HOBOKEN - Firefighters spent hours battling a three-alarm blaze at a building on Washington Street early Sunday morning.

One police needed to be treated for smoke inhalation for the blaze at 514 Washington St. The fire broke out just after 6 a.m. inside the three-story building, which has a restaurant on the ground floor.

At least three buildings were evacuated and a number of restaurants will not be able to open until a health inspection is complete because of smoke and water damage.

Acting Fire Chief Brian Crimmins told News12 crews did "excellent work" from keeping the fire from spreading to nearby buildings. The station reported the fire began in a rear "void space" between the first and second floors.

3rd alarm fire at 514 Washington St has been declared under control. No injuries reported. Great job to Group B, under command of IBC Piccininni. Thanks to @JCFireOfficers for mutual aid, @HobokenPD DPW and #HobokenVolunteerAmbulance and @HobokenOEM pic.twitter.com/j49S9FRVdb — Hoboken Fire Dept (@HobokenFire) January 14, 2018

"They were able to prevent extension into the attached exposures," Crimmins said.

Firefighters worked through extremely cold weather to extinguish the fire. The surrounding streets and sidewalks were covered in ice, with multiple police officers and firefighters slipping - and some falling - as they walked through the scene.

One nearby cafe worker said he had just arrived to begin his day when he saw fire trucks lining the street.

"It's a very cold morning and ... when something happens like this it's a very serious thing and people having to get out of their house," he said. "It's not a good situation."

The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

Caitlin Mota may be reached at cmota@jjournal.com. Follow her on Twitter @caitlin_mota. Find The Jersey Journal on Facebook.