RUMFORD – The cause of a fire at an eight-unit apartment building on Spruce Street Tuesday afternoon remains under investigation by the Office of the State Fire Marshal.

Fire Chief John Woulfe III said on Wednesday that the 4:26 p.m. fire began on the porch of a second floor apartment occupied by Rita Arsenault, 84. A dozen or so tenants of the five occupied apartments were evacuated for about an hour. All were evaluated by Med-Care Ambulance Service personnel, and Arsenault was taken to Rumford Hospital where she was treated and released.

All tenants were able to return to their apartments.

Woulfe estimated about $3,000 damage to the building’s siding and porch roof. Some smoke entered the Arsenault apartment but did no damage.

He said the flames were knocked down in about 15 minutes; however, several firefighters remained on the scene for several hours to assist with the investigation. Woulfe said a report from the fire marshal will likely be ready by the end of the week.

Two engines, a ladder truck and 12 Rumford firefighters, along with six Mexico firefighters and an engine responded to the late afternoon fire.

The building is owned by Spring Street Associates, Liberty Management, Portland.

Tuesday’s apartment fire occurred at the time the Rumford Fire Department is about to begin a life/safety inspection of the more than 200 apartment houses of three or more units in the town.

Woulfe said the Spruce Street units will be among those inspected to check all apartments for exits, smoke detectors, emergency lighting and self-closing doors.