Fire destroyed the Sunshine Laundry building at 739 Maple Ave. in Hartford, city fire officials said. The blaze was reported at 11:28 p.m. Friday evening. The first firefighters were on the scene in about three minutes. They soon called a second alarm in an attempt to prevent the intense blaze from spreading.

The fire threatened an adjacent apartment building. When the fire was out, the building had sustained only minor damage. However, as a precaution, eight people who were living in the dwelling were assisted by the American Red Cross, and spent Friday night elsewhere. They were expected to be allowed back into their homes Saturday.

Three firefighters suffered minor injuries fighting the flames, according to Deputy Fire Chief Carlos Huertas. "One was a dislocated shoulder, and two were revaluated and placed back into service," he said.

State and city investigators are looking into the cause of the fire.