Photo by JEFFREY HASTINGS A crew of Nashua firefighters exits the large apartment building at 68 Ash St. after bringing Sunday's early morning 3-alarm fire under control. No injuries were reported. (Photo by JEFFREY HASTINGS)

NASHUA — A combination of working smoke detectors and an aggressive attack by firefighters likely contributed to the successful evacuations of at least 10 occupants of a large, 2 1/2 story Ash Street apartment house that went up in flames early Sunday morning.

Heavy flames were blowing out of the second and third floors on the right side of the building when the crew of Engine 4, under the command of Lt. William Campbell, pulled up to the scene, according to Nashua Fire Rescue Deputy Chief Glen MacDonald.

He said the amount of fire, the size of the building and the number of people residing there prompted command personnel to strike the second and third alarms within minutes of each other.

All people inside the building, which has four apartments, were able to self-evacuate, MacDonald said.

Local utility companies were summoned to the scene to shut off the gas supply and, because of the numerous overhead power lines — one of which fell to the street — disconnect the electrical supply, MacDonald added.

Photo by JEFFREY HASTINGS A lengthy overhaul process began after crews knocked down the heavy flames that broke out early Sunday morning and heavily damaged the large apartment building at 68 Ash St. No injuries were reported. (Photo by JEFFREY HASTINGS)

Meanwhile, a crew was assigned to hose down the exterior of an adjacent building, where the siding, exposed to the extensive heat, had begun to melt and threatened to catch fire.

Several area fire departments sent mutual aid units to the fire and to cover Nashua’s stations, MacDonald said.

He added that roughly 10 people were displaced by the fire.

The owners of the building are listed in city records as Conrad and Judith Gauthier of Hudson.

Representatives of the city Office of Emergency Management were also called to the scene to assist the local American Red Cross chapter with finding shelter for the displaced residents.

A Nashua Transit bus was dispatched to the scene as well, giving the residents routed from their homes a warm place to await assistance.

MacDonald said officials with the city Fire Marshal’s office are conducting an investigation into the cause of the fire.

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