The Maplewood Fire Department responded to a fire on Oregon Street (which T's into Springfield Avenue near Maplewood Hobby) at 2:54 p.m. Wednesday afternoon.

The fire was quickly extinguished. It apparently began in a closet in the second-floor apartment. The cause is under investigation.

Although no flames were visible, a strong stench of smoke filled the air. Firefighters threw bundle after bundle of blackened clothing out the side window of the affected apartment.

According to Fire Chief Joseph Richardella, no one was injured and a cat on the first floor was rescued. "Mark this one in the good column," he said.