A fire Friday night at St. John’s Lutheran Community’s Knutson Place Apartments reportedly caused $35,000 in damage.

The fire caused a temporary evacuation of residents to other parts of the facility not impacted by the fire. Third-floor residents were taken to the first floor dining room in the nursing home while first responders were on scene.

Upon arriving shortly at about 8 p.m. to the apartments, at 901 Luther Place, Albert Lea firefighters and police reportedly found light smoke in a third floor hallway. The fire was contained to one apartment, according to a city press release.

The fire reportedly spread to nearby furniture, which activated the sprinkler system and minimized damage to the building.

St. John’s Administrator and CEO Scot Spates said most of the damage includes burnt and wet drywall and carpet and floor damage.The sprinkler system reportedly caused water damage to adjacent apartments.

No injuries were reported.

The fire was caused by a lampshade coming into contact with a light bulb and igniting, according to the release.  

The building was turned back to facility staff, and first responders cleared the scene at 9:30 p.m.

Spates said two tenants have not been able to return to their apartments. One lived where the fire alarm alerted first responders to the fire, while the second tenant lived below the apartment. They are living in empty on-site apartments while the two rooms are remodeled.

Residential and commercial services firm ServiceMaster assisted on scene following the fire. An insurance adjuster is expected to evaluate the facility today.

Spates credited the facility’s sprinkler system and first responders for limiting the damage from the fire.