City of Madison firefighters responded to an afternoon fire on the city’s east side today. Firefighters were called to 3818 Hoover Dr. at 3:45 p.m. Ladder 8, Engine 8 and Medic 8 arrived within minutes.

On location, crews observed flames and heavy black smoke from a first-floor window at the rear of the 4-unit apartment building, with fire reaching up the side of the building to the soffit above the second floor.

Crews conducted a search and rescue, but all occupants had exited the building unharmed. One tenant escaped through the window of his second-floor apartment. He was assisted to the ground by passersby. Paramedics examined him at the scene, but he had no injuries.

Firefighters mounted an aggressive fire attack, prevented the spread of fire to the second floor. The fire was under control at 4:01 p.m.

Fire damage was limited to the first-floor apartment where it is believed the fire started. There was heavy smoke damage to the hallway and stairwell, but the other three apartments sustained only light smoke damage.

Damages are estimated at $75,000 to the structure, and another $15,000-20,000 to contents.

All occupants were staying with family and friends until they can return to their apartments.

The cause of the fire is under investigation.