BIDDEFORD — The Biddeford Fire Department is investigating an apartment fire that occurred at 3 Dupont Ave. just after 7 a.m. Tuesday.

Emergency crews from Biddeford, Saco and Goodwin’s Mills responded to the multi-unit apartment building around 7:14 a.m. for a report of fire in apartment 3.

Fire Department Capt. John Pothier said first responders arrived to see smoke coming from the building, and located the fire in the apartment’s bathroom ceiling. Upon opening the ceiling, emergency personnel discovered that the fire had spread between the first and second floors, and called for backup.

Six engines – five from Biddeford and Saco, and one from Goodwin’s Mills – responded to the fire. Crews in Scarborough and Arundel also prepared their stations.

Pothier said crews had to escort several tenants out of the apartment building, including those of the blazing unit. They had no apparent injuries, Pothier said.

The apartment suffered moderate damage to the bathroom, kitchen and living room, and will remain unoccupied. The American Red Cross of Portland is assisting families affected by the fire.

The building’s other tenants were able to return to their homes, and there is no external damage to the building, Pothier said.

Emergency units left the residence at 8:31 a.m., and investigation crews followed at 10:13 a.m. Pothier said the cause of the fire is still under investigation, but he believes it was accidental.

Code Enforcement Office staff are assisting the apartment’s tenants with relocation.

— Staff Writer Alan Bennett can be contacted at 282-1535, ext. 329 or abennett@journaltribune.com.