WASHINGTON – The cause of a fire that destroyed W&W Wholesale on Morse Street in Northeast is not yet known.

Florida Avenue and the surrounding streets had to be shut down as firefighters battled the blaze.

The fire broke out Wednesday night and appeared to be a wholesale market that sells to small businesses in the region. It is near the new Union Market, which recently opened and features specialty foods and artisans.

Firefighters contained the fire, which started before 10 p.m. Wednesday, around 4 a.m. Thursday, but had trouble moving inside the packed warehouse

The fire appeared to cause significant damage to wholesalers that sell Mexican fruits, seafood, handbags and other products, The Washington Post reports.

The fire department remains on the scene handling hot spots.

WTOP’s John Aaron contributed to this story. Follow WTOP Traffic and WTOP on Twitter.

(Copyright 2012 by WTOP and The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)