FIRE DAMAGES 2 BUILDINGS; CAUSE UNDER INVESTIGATION.(CAPITAL REGION)

ALBANY -- Fire investigators were searching for the cause of a blaze that severely damaged two buildings on North Allen Street Monday evening.

Deputy Chief Warren Abriel said it was not determined whether the fire ``came from inside out or from outside in.'' The damage at 173 and 175 North Allen St. was on the sides facing each other across a three-foot-wide alley.

The flames climbed the outside walls and entered the second-floor flats of both buildings. Abriel said both floors at 173 were occupied and was unsure if anyone lived on the second floor of 175. The …