NEW BEDFORD, Mass. (WPRI) — Five residents were forced from their homes in New Bedford Thursday afternoon after a fire broke out inside an apartment building. Firefighters responded to Acushnet Avenue just before 3 p.m. and saw flames shooting out of a third-floor apartment. New Bedford Fire Chief Scott Kruger told 12 News a closed door prevented the flames from spreading through the rest of the building. Kruger said three people were brought to St. Luke's Hospital with injuries that do not appear to be life-threatening. The exact cause of the fire remains under investigation at this time. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Breaking News SIGN UP NOW