Eastern Salisbury Fire Department firefighters were dispatched to help Fountain Hill firefighters investigating a fire alarm around 5 p.m. Jan. 13.

Firefighters on scene at 960 Cherokee St., checking an activated fire alarm, called for assistance when they found smoke in a third floor apartment. When additional firefighters arrived the crews began checking for the source of the smoke. Crews checked nearby apartments and located more smoke in the apartment below.

Once inside, firefighters found heavy smoke in the bathroom and also found the possible source of the fire– a vent fan in the ceiling shorted and caught fire.

Crews checked to make sure the fire did not spread by pulling down the bathroom ceiling. Crews also found leaking pipes which may have contributed to the short.

A family of four was displaced by the fire. The family was assisted by the American Red Cross.

Fountain Hill fire officials are investigating the fire.