WHITING, Ind. – Authorities said an overnight fire that gutted a three-story building in northwest Indiana sent residents fleeing into a bitterly cold night.

No injuries were reported in the fire that began Sunday evening in a nearly century-old building in downtown Whiting.

The Times of Munster reported (http://bit.ly/YiIUyY) apartment residents were evacuated before the fire, which began in the building’s first-floor retail area, spread to the two apartment-filled floors above.

Whiting Fire Chief Gus Danielides said firefighters remained on the scene into Monday morning working to douse hot spots on the third floor and the building’s roof.

Fire officials continue investigating what started the fire in the building, which housed a dress shop and up to 10 apartments.