Norwich ― Firefighters on Saturday evening contained a fire in a vacant mixed-use building on the east side of the city before it could spread beyond the first floor.

Norwich Fire Department Battalion Chief Michael Dziavit said firefighters arrived at 458-464 East Main St. within five minutes of the 6:59 p.m. call. One man, who discovered the fire when he went to check on the three-story building after being notified of an alarm, was treated for smoke inhalation on the scene and declined transport to the hospital.

Dziavit said the fire originated toward the back of the building. Thick smoke made the firefighters’ job more difficult as they worked to ensure there were no flames in the basement or the upper floors, he said.

A sign on the building advertised Fortune Realty on the second floor above a vacant sports pub. Dziavit said there was no evidence of the building being occupied.

The Taftville, Laurel Hill and East Great Plains departments also responded, as well as the Mohegan Tribal Fire Department and American Ambulance.

e.regan@theday.com