Fire Chief Andrew Murray said a "carelessly discarded cigarette" at Village Court set off smoke alarms and brought the Mattapoisett Fire and Police departments on Friday afternoon.

The resident of apartment 45, located on the second floor in the eastern wing of the building, threw a cigarette that was not completely extinguished into a trash can. Murray said the area around the trash can was charred, but he did not report any other damage.

"It just created a lot of smoke," he said.

In addition to apartment 45, two nearby rooms filled with smoke.

As a result of the alarms, the residents of the housing development, which is primarily for senior citizens, were forced into the cold for a time as firefighters investigated the area.

Murray said the fire was extinguished when firefighters arrived, either by the occupant or by itself. The fire was small enough that it did not activate the sprinkler system.

The fire chief said the resident refused medical treatment, and that the department would follow up with him. According to other residents, smoking is allowed in the apartments.

Marion Fire Department provided mutual aid.