New London ― Eight residents of a multi-family home on Squire Street were displaced by a Friday afternoon blaze, fire officials said.

New London firefighters were dispatched about 12:25 p.m. to 32 Squire St. for a report of a fire, Chief Thomas Curcio said. Flames from the exterior of the structure, located directly across from the Saint Joseph School, moved into the residence’s walls, blocking rear stairwell escape routes, Curcio said.

He said the resident of an attic apartment made his way out an upper-floor window and was assisted to the ground by firefighters. The man declined medical assistance, Curcio said.

Curcio said the home sustained “significant” damage and Red Cross volunteers were assisting residents with housing and other needs.

The fire was deemed under control within 20 minutes, Curcio said. No one was injured and the cause of the fire is under investigation.

New London firefighters were assisted by the Electric Boat, Waterford, Groton and Naval Submarine Base firefighters and Groton ambulance personnel.

j.penney@theday.com