BRATTLEBORO, VT (MyKeeneNow) – A fire in a downtown apartment Monday afternoon was swiftly contained by the building’s sprinkler system, but significant water damage displaced 13 residents and left neighboring businesses temporarily closed.

Firefighters responded Monday to an alarm activation at 117-119 Main St. just after 2:30 p.m. and found no visible signs of fire from the front of the building, according to a news release from the Brattleboro fire department. However, Captain Kurt Schmidt soon reported that the building’s sprinkler system had been triggered, and smoke was present on the third floor, prompting an upgrade to a first alarm.

By 2:45 p.m., crews discovered a fire in a fourth-floor apartment, though the sprinkler system had effectively contained it to that unit, the release said. Firefighters carried out a thorough search of the building, confirming there was no spread of the fire beyond the apartment. Their next step was to locate and shut down the sprinkler system, which required forcing entry into a locked basement at 119 Main St. to access the controls. Once the sprinkler system was turned off, efforts shifted to salvage operations. Unfortunately, significant water damage occurred in the apartments at 117 Main and the neighboring business, Beadniks.

At 3:13 p.m., the fire was officially under control. Due to water damage, electricity was cut off to both 117 and 119 Main St., resulting in the displacement of 13 residents. The Red Cross arranged temporary housing for three individuals, while others found shelter with family or friends.

The fire’s origin remains under investigation, and electricians are assessing whether power can be safely restored to 119 Main St. so that residents and Trillium, a business in the building, can return. However, Beadniks and the apartments at 117 Main St. will remain uninhabitable for an extended period.

No injuries were reported during the incident.