Several Suffern business owners face a major financial loss after a fire tore through a commercial building Wednesday morning.

Fire officials say flames broke out at 83 Lafayette Ave. around 6 a.m. and severely damaged a number of businesses in the two-story building.

Witnesses say the people who worked in the stores are good, hardworking people who now have a big challenge ahead. "I've been coming to work here since I was a kid, so just seeing it now is heartbreaking," says Adriane Dianis, owner of Pine Knoll Florist Shop.

It is unknown yet what caused the fire.

Suffern Mayor Michael F. Curley says they are helping the business owners find space to relocate.

Firefighters are still trying to determine how the fire started.