NORTH ATTLEBORO - An early afternoon cooking fire is being blamed for causing significant damage to one of four apartments at a North Washington Street house, Sunday.

Fire Department Lt. Richard Stack said a basement apartment in a multi-unit building had significant damage, and the other three apartments suffered from smoke damage.

The residents of the basement apartment are displaced due to the fire, while residents of the other three were allowed to return. The other apartments didn't suffer any fire damage, but smoke filled the entire building, Lt. Stack said.

Fire considered accident

The fire, according to officials, is being considered accidental and appears to be cooking related. Firefighters responded to the scene with a full complement of firefighters and equipment. Crews manning three engines, a ladder truck and two rescues responded to the fire. Lt. Stack said the extra manpower made fighting the basement apartment fire easier.

No damage estimate was available for the fire, which was located at the corner of North Washington and East Streets.

Fire crews remained at the scene for over two hours.