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In response to last week’s four-alarm fire in Astoria that destroyed two commercial buildings and displaced 12 businesses, the local real estate community has come together to help.

Last Friday, the day after the fire, Astoria Downtown Historic District Association President Tiffany Estes for local businesses and property owners to come together and help those that have been affected by it. Since the blog was launched, more than 50 commercial spaces have been offered to displaced businesses on an interim basis free of charge or a permanent basis at a discounted rate.

“I’ve heard of three, and possibly even a forth, businesses that have already found new spaces either through the blog or their own connections,” Estes said. “While Astoria and the surrounding communities are always very supportive of each other, I have been surprised at how quick the response has come.”

A couple of local hair salons have offered temporary space to owners of a salon that burned down. A psychologist whose office was damaged in the fire has been provided a fully-furnished temporary office free of charge so he can continue seeing patients.

The exact cause of the fire is unknown, said Paul Benoit, city manager for the city of Astoria. But more details should emerge by Thursday when the fire investigators believe their investigation will be wrapped up, he said.