Crews spent Thursday morning battling a large fire at the former Charlestown Mall in Utica.

The building went up in flames before daylight Thursday.

Multiple crews were called to the scene on Turner Street just before 1:30 a.m. Firefighters say by the time they arrived, the building was fully involved.

(Photo / Justin Bachman)

We're told no one was inside and there are no injuries, but the fire could be seen from the Thruway. 

Utica city leaders say the building now poses a public threat, and have ordered a state of emergency. They've closed surrounding streets and advise the public stays away from the site.

The building has seen multiple fires before. Crews were called there twice last summer for a blaze.

Officials are investigating the cause.