NASHUA – Smoke was visible from a second-floor apartment in a large, 42-unit downtown building when the first engine arrived in the wee hours of Sunday morning, prompting an extra engine and ladder truck to be dispatched to the scene.

Nashua Fire Rescue Deputy Chief Bill Atkinson said the extra engine and ladder truck were called in due to the size of the four-story building at 123 W. Pearl St., and the fact dozens of people live there, combined with the volume of smoke coming from the apartment of origin.

Atkinson said “aggressive interior work” by firefighters and the activation of two sprinkler heads succeeded in confining the fire to the point of origin, which was traced to a mattress.

“There was, however, significant water damage to the first floor store and a basement display area,” Atkinson said, referring to the sprinklers. He said crews brought in large tarps called salvage covers and draped them over as much of the store’s contents as possible.

In all, 27 NFR members responded to the scene, Atkinson said, adding that there were no reports of injuries.

He said the cause of the fire is under investigation by members of the city Fire Marshal’s office.

Dean Shalhoup may be reached at 594-1256 or dshalhoup@nashuatelegraph.com.