New London — The American Red Cross helped five people after a fire Sunday morning at an apartment complex on Nautilus Drive.

New London Fire Department Battalion Chief Edward Sargent said firefighters quickly extinguished the fire that was reported at 10:26 a.m. Sunday in an apartment at 242 Nautilus Drive.

A fire alarm went off, but occupants of the apartment unit were not home. The fire was primarily confined to the bathroom, but caused smoke and heat damage throughout the rest of the apartment, he said.

The fire also caused minor water damage to the apartment below, he said. 

Sue Bolen, the senior director of emergency services for the Connecticut chapter of the Red Cross, said Red Cross volunteers helped the people affected by the fire. The volunteers made sure they had a place to go for the night and that their urgent needs were met.

Red Cross volunteers help families who have experienced a fire in their homes find a safe place, food, and clothes, said Bolen. The volunteers also provide information to assist the families with their next steps.

This weekend, the Red Cross also helped one person after a fire Saturday on Water Street in Canterbury and two families after a fire Sunday on Whitehall Drive in Sprague, according to a news release.