An afternoon fire at a Love Street duplex caused damages to one of the apartments and minor smoke damage to the adjoining apartment.

Residents of the 103 apartment were able to get out safely and the resident of the adjoining apartment was not at home, according to Roanoke Rapids Fire Department Battalion Chief B.J. Harris.

Harris said the residents of the 103 apartment are receiving assistance from the American Red Cross for a place to stay. The cause of the fire, which started in the utility room, remains under investigation.

Power had to be pulled and the utility room and kitchen sustained the most damage.

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Harris said when firefighters arrived after being dispatched around 1:30 p.m. they witnessed heavy smoke coming from the eaves.

The fire was contained within 10 minutes and firefighters remained on the scene for a little over an hour for cleanup, salvage and overhaul.

It is undetermined if the apartment can be repaired.

Nine on-duty firefighters and around 10 off-duty firefighters responded to the scene in the Webb Hill community off Highway 158.