Firefighters battled fires that struck two Gorham properties in the downtown area within two days early this week.

Fast response by firefighters saved a home at 8 Spruce Lane, off South Street, during the evening commuter rush Monday.

The fire followed a blaze about 3 a.m. Sunday that Gorham Fire Chief Robert Lefebvre said  “severely damaged” a residence at 8 College Ave., near the University of Southern Maine campus.

Monday’s fire, Lefebvre said, occurred after a homeowner had cleared snow from his driveway with a snow blower. A cover was placed on the snow blower after placing it in the garage, and Lefebvre said the exhaust probably ignited the fire.

Lefebvre said the homeowner sustained minor injuries and was checked at the scene by medical personnel but the man declined transport to a hospital.

The Spruce Lane fire closed both travel lanes on South Street (Route 114).

Firefighters saved this home at 8 Spruce Lane Monday, but a garage was lost. Gorham Fire Chief said a wall between the structures was damaged and the main house sustained smoke damage.