GREENLAND — A multiple-alarm fire broke out at Carter's European Auto Repair at 437 Portsmouth Ave. Saturday morning.

Fire Chief Ralph Cresta said the fire call came in at 10:02 a.m. He said the building is a total loss but that there we no injuries.

"It was fully involved when I arrived," Deputy Chief Ted Hartmann said. "We did manage to remove several dogs that were in the office. One occupant of the building was evaluated and later one firefighter. Neither one had to be transported."

Multiple fire departments responded to the blaze that reportedly started in a garage bay and destroyed cars inside and outside the structure. Loud popping noises that sounded like fireworks exploding could be heard before the fire was contained around 11 a.m. The thick smoke forced emergency personnel to close down Portsmouth Avenue in the vicinity of Dunkin Donuts until the blaze was under control.

Heavy smoke was still showing at 11 a.m. and the roof had collapsed. Carter's was open for business at the time of the fire and had employees on site.

Linda Chetson's son Chuck Williams owns the business in front, Rainscapes Lawn Sprinklers, which was being renovated. Chetson said they suffered water damage but should be OK otherwise.

The cause of the fire remained under investigation as of late Saturday afternoon. The owner was out of the country on vacation, Cresta said.

"It appears to have started at the rear of the building," he said. "There were hazards, fuel in the cars stored inside and other chemicals used by the business. We will probably leave a crew here overnight in case there are hot spots."

Multiple fire departments responded to the blaze, including Greenland, Portsmouth, Stratham, Rye, North Hampton and Newmarket.