UPDATE: “Stubborn” Fire Quickly Knocked Down Near Downton New Bedford

Four engine companies and two ladder companies responded to a reported explosion and exterior fire at 45 Richmond Street in the center of the city Friday afternoon.

Firefighters responded to a call of a possible explosion and fire around 1:30 pm.

District Chief James Fortin says it was tough, but crews knocked the fire down in less than an hour.

Crews arrived to a heavy blaze on the second floor of the two story home that spread to the attic. Propane tanks near nearby contributed to the blaze.

Two fammilies were displaced by the blaze, but Fortin says no residents were injured.

"We didn't have any victims on the civilian side. We do have a couple of firefighters who were overcome by heat exhaustion and possible smoke inhalation but they're being evaluated at St. Luke's," said Fortin.

The cause of the fire is currently under investigation.