New Bedford crews extinguish fire in apartment building

NEW BEDFORD, Mass. (WLNE) — The New Bedford Fire Department said it extinguished a fire at an apartment building Wednesday.

Around 4:51 p.m., crews received an automatic fire alarm activation for a three story building at Southcoast Condominiums on Phillips Road.

At the scene, firefighters initially discovered significant smoke in the hallways, and located a working fire on the second floor in an apartment.

Crews were able to extinguish the flames in a room, and contained the fire to the unit of origin, according to the New Bedford Fire Department.

During that time, all residents of the building were evacuated.

New Bedford Police Animal Control evacuated two snakes and multiple cats from the scene.

Officials said no residents or firefighters were injured.

The hazmat officer checked the air quality to ensure it was safe to enter the building.

The Red Cross is assisting two residents.

The cause of the fire is under investigation.