A fire at an autobody shop in Hillside has destroyed multiple businesses in the area, according to Mayor Dahlia Vertreese.

The autobody shop is located on the corner of Maple and Conklin avenues. Vertreese said there was an explosion inside the shop and that multiple vehicles inside caught fire.

The fire spread to a row of businesses connected to the shop. The mayor said those businesses were severely damaged and may be destroyed.

Vertreese said she was told by the fire chief that this is the second-worst fire Hillside has seen in 18 years. She urged all residents to stay away from the area due to the amount of smoke.

The mayor said no major injuries were reported. But she says that several residents will be displaced.

Fire crews are expected to remain on the scene into the overnight hours.