More than 200 firefighters responded to a five-alarm fire Saturday afternoon in Brooklyn.

The flames sparked around 10 a.m. at an appliance store on Atlantic Avenue, rapidly spreading to the neighboring buildings housing apartments and businesses.

Crews tell News 12 that the fire was a real challenge because the flames were mostly inside the walls. The fire took about three hours to contain.

Officials say everyone inside the buildings, including several cats, was able to escape relatively unscathed, though three firefighters have been hospitalized with injuries.

One civilian suffered minor injuries, but was not taken to the hospital, according to officials.

News 12 spoke to three business owners and their employees who are now left wondering what they're going to do.

Mercedes Rodriguez say her hair salon is very damaged and full of ashes.

“I can’t open it,” she says. “I don’t know.”

The American Red Cross is working with about 20 displaced residents to provide food, water, health and emotional support and safe shelter.

There is no official word yet on what caused the fire.