By Howard Packowitz

Residents of a downtown Bloomington apartment building escaped unharmed from a fire Monday afternoon that swept through one of the dwellings.

The fire was generally confined to a second floor apartment at 301 W. Monroe St., but there was smoke and water damage in other parts of the building.

Bloomington firefighters got the call about 1:05 p.m. and they said they had the fire under control in about 25 minutes.

“Upon arrival, crews had heavy smoke and flames coming from the second floor window,” said Battalion Chief Jeff Flairty.

“We were able to extinguish the fire and prevent it from spreading to other apartments,” Flairty also said.

Residents said there are 11 apartments in the building, which is at the corner of Monroe and Madison. Authorities said one person needed Red Cross assistance.

Flairty said the fire department are investigating the cause.

Police blocked traffic for a time on southbound Madison St., between Market and Monroe, because firefighters used a hydrant across the street on Madison, and laid down a hose on the roadway.

Howard Packowitz can be reached at [email protected]