MINNEAPOLIS (AP) - Authorities had to block off a busy retail block after an apartment caught fire above a coffee shop near the University of Minnesota.

The fire broke out over the lunch hour Friday in the Dinkytown area of Minneapolis.

Several fire trucks responded to the flames and billowing smoke above Espresso Royale.

Reports say the businesses on either side of the coffee shop, China Express and Al's Breakfast, escaped damage. Espresso Royale was closed and dealing with water damage.

A Minneapolis Fire Department spokeswoman says two units were damaged by the flames, and other parts of the building had smoke and water damage.

No one was hurt. Firefighters rescued one dog and three cats and returned them to their owners.

More From AM 1240 WJON