New London — A small fire in a Homeless Hospitality Center-owned residence brought firefighters rushing to Steward Street in the cold late Wednesday night.

The blaze was reported about 10:38 p.m., fire Battalion Chief Edward Sargent said. The cluster of firetrucks around 21 Steward St. brought curious neighbors to their doors, despite the temperatures hovering in the upper 20s, as city police and firefighters worked the scene.

The blaze was minor, Sargent said, and contained in a single bedroom. It was out and the scene cleared within 30 minutes, he said. Some clothing, bedding and a mattress were damaged, he said.

Cathy Zall, Homeless Hospitality Center executive director, also was at the scene. She said she was awakened by a phone call informing her of the fire and came to the house right away. The home is owned by the center but has regular tenants, she said.

Seven people live in the three-story, multi-unit residence, Sargent said. A group of four people who said they were residents of 21 Steward St. were standing in front of a neighboring house but declined to comment.

"No one was hurt, no structural damage," Zall said. "We just have to clean up the mess." She said the firefighters were being very thorough.

The city fire marshal's office is investigating, Sargent said.

j.meyers@theday.com