Waterford — The American Red Cross is assisting a family of three after firefighters made quick work of a basement blaze in their Vivian Street home Thursday morning.

Multiple departments responded to 32-34 Vivian St. after smoke detectors prompted a call about 11:46 a.m. from the lone occupant at the time.

Firefighters said the resident evacuated safely, along with at least one cat that suffered smoke inhalation.

Director of Fire Services Bruce Miller said the fire was knocked down within a few minutes. He added that one firefighter had fallen through a hole in the first floor after the fire was extinguished. Firefighters said he was removed via the bulkhead. Miller said the firefighter was not severely injured but was transported to Lawrence + Memorial Hospital to check pain in his back.

The Red Cross in a statement said it provided assistance to one adult and two children after the fire, offering comfort kits with personal care items and information helpful to families recovering from a fire. Red Cross caseworkers will work over the coming days on a longer-term recovery plan for the family.

Property records show that the house is owned by Susan Paprocki.

Miller and Fire Marshal Peter Schlink said the cause of the fire remains under investigation.