Fire officials were called to 22 Maple St. at 12:09 p.m. yesterday to find burning trash in the basement of the building.
Fire Department spokesman George Morrice said two residents were home at the time of the fire and safely got out of the two-story building that has three apartment units.
Morrice said the incident was relatively minor and there were no injuries. The fire was ruled accidental. Fire officials believe it started when, as the basement was flooding during yesterday's inclement weather, a gasoline can tipped over and the gas furnace ignited the fumes.
"The furnace was six feet away, and the jug flipped," said Morrice. "It never really made it into a working fire - the guys put it out quickly."
A small portion of the fire extended into a wall, but that, too, was quickly extinguished, said Morrice.
Firefighter William Turner is investigating the cause.
Morrice said the tenants were not going to be allowed back in the building yesterday, but they all found alternative housing.
Capt. George Geary set the damage estimate at $50,000.
Daily News staff writer Brian Falla can be reached at 781-433-8339 or at bfalla@cnc.com
