A cigarette likely ignited a fire that displaced six residents of an Ypsilanti Township apartment complex Wednesday afternoon, Fire Capt. Larry James said.

Firefighters were able to contain the fire to a bedroom where it started in the Oakridge Apartments building in the 1300 block of Holmes Road. They quickly got it under control, thanks at least in part to the fact that they happened to be only about a half mile away when the fire was reported.

Firefighters were leaving the scene of a medical call when they hard the dispatch call for the fire at 2:40 p.m. James said. Upon arriving, James said he noticed the fire was contained to the bedroom, where it was likely started by a cigarette, and quickly closed the door.

Seven firefighters battled the blaze and had it under control in 13 minutes, he said, and completely extinguished it within about half an hour. Though fire damage was contained to one room, the three-bedroom apartment sustained smoke damage throughout, James said. It was the only apartment affected in the 16 unit building. Damage was estimated at $15,000.

The Washtenaw County Chapter of the American Red Cross is assisting the six adult residents with housing.

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