After investigating Wednesday evening’s apartment fire in Downtown Zanesville, Assistant Fire Chief Doug Hobson has determined the cause to have been electrical.

The fire sparked from an overloaded, repaired extension cord located between the kitchen and living room of a ground-level unit.

According to Zanesville Fire Chief Jeff Bell, a husband and wife were asleep in their apartment on Orchard Street when they awoke to the sight of flames just before 8 p.m.

Bell said the couple quickly evacuated, and a neighbor called for help.

Firefighters were able to contain the fire within 10 minutes after their arrival.

Bell said the bottom unit where the fire began sustained the most substantial damage, while the unoccupied unit above was also impacted.

The evacuated residents were able to return home after about 30 minutes, Bell said.

According to Bell, the couple will be staying with a nearby relative.

Volunteers from the Red Cross were also called to offer assistance.

Along with the Zanesville Fire Department, Washington Township, Falls Township and ValueCare Ambulance were also on scene to assist.