Evanston firefighters responded to a structure fire in the 300 block of Custer Avenue on Sunday evening.

When companies pulled up to the apartment building at about 10 p.m., they discovered heavy smoke coming from the back and smoke stains around the basement entrance, Evanston Fire Department division chief Paul Polep said in a Monday news release.

Polep said the alarm was quickly upgraded to a Code 4, which brought in extra units to the scene.

Upon entering the building, fire companies found a small contents fire in one of the rooms. They were able to extinguish the fire and ventilate the building, Polep said. He added that firefighters rescued two kittens, both of which were in “good condition.” All building residents were outside when crews arrived.

After the fire was extinguished, residents returned to their apartments, Polep said. There was minimal smoke damage in the room where the fire originated.

The cause of the fire still remains under investigation, he added, with no foul play expected.

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