AUBURN — A small basement fire forced 14 people out of their homes at 26 Myrtle St. on Thursday morning.

Battalion Chief David Richard said the three units in the apartment building were occupied by seven adults and seven children, all of whom made it out safely when someone smelled smoke at 7:47 a.m.

The cause of the fire is being investigated, but it is not considered suspicious.

Richard said it was largely contained to the basement under one of the units. That same apartment has first-floor damage from firefighters making sure the fire was knocked out. The other two units received some smoke damage.

He damage is estimated to be $5,000 to $9,000.

Electrical service has to be restored before tenants can return, Richard said.

The Red Cross is helping the tenants with food, housing referrals and other assistance.