Structure fire Thursday morning in Downtown Gulfport

The Gulfport Fire Department received calls around 8:30 this morning regarding a building with heavy smoke and flames in the downtown area.

The gulfport fire department- received calls around 8:30 this- morning regarding a building- with heavy smoke and- flames in the downtown area.- after the call, they started- seeing smoke at their own - downtown fire station.- they responded to the fire with- gulfport police, and american - medical responses .

- the fire was at alston's- antiques and gifts near the - intersection of highway 49 and- 22nd street.- as of now, its the only buildin- with damages.

- the buildings on both sides are- less than a foot away and - gulfport fire chief michael - beyerstedt is pleased with- how quickly his crews were able- to suppress the flames.

- - "they got right on it and was - able to keep- it from spreading....really - proud of that work.

You can see- even the- windows and the blinds melted i- the building next door.

We had- very heavy fire - conditions on arrival here.

So,- great job by the crews this - morning."

- - - - at this time, no injuries have- been reported.- chief beyerstedt spoke with the- owners and they - said power had recently been- turned off and they've been - having issues with squatters- using the building.

- considering how cold it was las- night, investigators- will look into whether they may- have been someone inside- the building seeking shelter- during the time