The Arson Squad reports the details of a fire in Hicksville at 3 a.m. on Sunday, Jan. 14.

Eighth Precinct police were summoned to a building fire at the West Village Green strip mall. Upon arrival, the responding officer found the rear of both Good Taste Kitchen and Trinity Deli engulfed in flames. The Hicksville Fire Department responded with five trucks and some 75 firefighters battled the blaze, which took about 25 minutes to extinguish. The East Meadow Fire Department provided mutual aid on scene while the Bethpage, Plainview and Jericho fire departments were on standby.

As of press time, the investigation into the fire was still ongoing but authorities have confirmed that the blaze was arson, started when flattened cardboard boxes in the rear of the deli were ignited. Fire personnel report that the fire extended itself into the Chinese restaurant with neighboring DiMaggio's Pizzeria sustaining smoke and water damage. There was no structural damage to the buildings.

The Nassau County Fire Marshal is currently investigating to determine who started the blaze. In addition, an investigation into whether this incident is connected to a dumpster fire that occurred in the back of the West Village Green shopping center on Thursday, Jan. 11 at approximately 5:15 a.m. is also being conducted.