Officials are investigating the exact cause of a fire that started inside a staff laundry room dryer at Merrill Gardens this morning, which was contained by staff.

After the fire in the second-story laundry room set off an automatic fire alarm at approximately 11:15 a.m., the maintenance supervisor put the fire out with a fire extinguisher.

Ten fire units from the Kirkland, Bellevue and Redmond Fire departments responded to the alarm, at which time Stuart Ostfeld, Merrill Gardens general manager, started evacuation procedures.

Kirkland Avenue was closed to traffic and nearby business Bank of America was also closed and evacuated.

Robin Paster, Kirkland Fire public information officer, said the fire caused smoke in some of the hallways and stairwells of the five-story building.

One resident, who walked through a smoke-filled hallway, was checked for smoke inhalation and released. Another resident, who fell when the alarm went off, was also checked for injuries and released.

“We were pleased it was a sprinkler facility and everything was done properly so the fire was contained and the residents were safe,” Paster added.

Ostfeld said there were no damages to the 115 resident apartments or common areas.

“I am proud of the way our staff and residents responded to the situation,” said Ostfeld. “All of our safety systems and procedures worked the way they were designed to and the response from the Kirkland and other Eastside fire departments was phenomenal. We are truly grateful for their professionalism and service.”