WATCH: Overnight fire destroys several Niagara Falls tourist shops

NIAGARA FALLS, Ont. – Fire crews in Niagara Falls have contained an overnight blaze that destroyed several tourist shops near the popular Clifton Hill area.

Officials say the blaze started just after midnight on Victoria Avenue near Centre Street and soon spread to other buildings, destroying a tattoo parlour, a cigar and souvenir shop and a clothing store.

Deputy fire chief Phil Ross says when crews arrived, heavy smoke and fire was spewing from the building.

He says the blaze is contained and under control, but fire crews are still fighting it.

No injuries have been reported.

Extreme cold has been an issue in battling the blaze with ice hampering efforts to get the blaze under control.

Raw video: Firefighters deal with flames, cold weather as they battle a large fire overnight in Niagara Falls