Authorities responded to a blaze at Clifton Meadows apartments around 6:30 p.m. Thursday.

The fire broke out at apartment Nos. 117 and 119 off of West 10th Street. Washington Fire-Rescue-EMS, Chocowinity Volunteer Fire Department and Bunyan Volunteer Fire Department responded to the scene.

Battalion Chief Jonathan Harding said the fire began in the downstairs apartment and spread to the upstairs. Authorities believe it may have been a cooking fire.

According to bystanders on the scene, the downstairs apartment is home to one man, and the upstairs is home to a family. Harding said both apartments were occupied when the fire started, but everyone made it out. The man was transported to Vidant Beaufort Hospital.

Harding said there were heavy flames coming out of the building when first responders arrived, but the blaze was under control within several minutes. As of 7 p.m., firefighters were inspecting the building for hot spots, as part of standard procedure.

The investigation is ongoing.