LOWELL — Ten people were displaced following a one-alarm fire that broke out in a rear apartment unit behind the Acre Sports Pub on Fletcher Street at around 7:45 a.m. Sunday.
The sprinkler system was activated and contained the fire until Lowell firefighters arrived on scene and quickly extinguished the blaze, according to Lowell Fire Chief Jeff Winward.
“Because of a working fire alarm system, all occupants of the building were able to escape from the fire without injury,” Winward said.
He said all 10 people displaced lived in the same first-floor apartment behind the 282 Fletcher St. pub. Most of the damage was contained to that unit, but some smoke damage did occur to the units above it, Winward said.
The displaced residents of the multi-unit building at were assisted by the American Red Cross, he said. All other occupants were able to return to their apartments.
Spokesperson Jeff Hall said the American Red Cross of Massachusetts is providing the family with financial assistance to offset the cost of a hotel stay, food and clothing, and connecting them with other resources to help them get restarted.
Winward said there was hope the damage could be repaired soon and the residents could move back in.
The Acre Sports Pub remains open.
The cause of the blaze was ruled accidental after starting due to an electrical problem, Winward said. He said a bed frame rubbing against an extension cord caused the insulation to wear off.
Winward said extension cords are designed for temporary use and recommended they not be used on a permanent basis.
Lowell firefighters responded to another one-alarm fire earlier in the weekend.
A fire broke out at 22 Gaudreau St. about 8:40 p.m. Friday due to a faulty chimney, Winward said.
The residents were without power due to the Wednesday-Thursday Nor’easter and had a fire going in their fireplace for about 48 hours, he said. The heat radiated to the wood around the chimney, causing wood paneling and a nearby couch to catch fire, Winward said.
He said three people were temporarily displaced. Fire damage was minor but there was a lot of smoke and water damage, Winward said.
Follow Aaron Curtis on Twitter @aselahcurtis and Alana Melanson @alanamelanson.
