OLD ORCHARD BEACH — The Red Cross is providing temporary assistance for about 25 people displaced after a fire early Thursday morning at a School Street apartment building.

The fire was reported Thursday at 1 a.m. at Centennial Plaza apartments, located at 6 School St.

Authorities say the fire was caused by a cooking accident, and it began in the kitchen of a first-floor unit, and spread to the hallway and the second floor. The third floor suffered smoke damage. Some residents had to jump out of windows to safety.

The building provides income-based rentals to people 62 years old and older and those with disabilities, according to information from the Maine State Housing Authority’s website.

A representative from Alpha Management, the company that manages the building, was unavailable for comment this morning.

American Red Cross of Maine spokesman John Lamb said the Red Cross was putting up 25 to 30 people in a local hotel. He said the Red Cross would provide housing at the hotel for a few days, and will assist people with the recovery process.

He said a health service team was working with residents to make sure people had access to medication.

There were also people on hand to provide emotional support, said Lamb. The organization relies primarily on volunteers to provide assistance, he said. “They’re terrific.”

Jason Rees and Ellen Schlehuber were standing outside the building Thursday afternoon, where a cleaning crew was on site.

Rees said the sound of an alarm and the sight of smoke pouring into their apartment alerted them of the fire. He said they escaped their first-floor apartment through a bedroom window early that morning, and had no idea what condition their possessions were in. Fortunately, they had renters insurance, said Rees.

“I’m still in my PJs from last night,” said Schlehuber.

Rees said they were able to get their dog out with them, but were trying to determine where their cat was, and thought it had been taken to an animal shelter.

— Staff Writer Liz Gotthelf can be contacted at 282-1535, ext. 325 or [email protected].