SOUTH PORTLAND — A sprinkler system knocked down a fire in a 12-unit apartment building on Feb. 8, preventing widespread damage and displacement of tenants.

South Portland Deputy Fire Chief Miles Haskell said the electrical fire started in the bedroom of a third-floor apartment at 10 Burnham St.

The residents were not home at the time, but a sprinkler system prevented the fire from spreading, Haskell said.

There was only minor fire damage and water damage in the bedroom, he said, and water damage to a vacant apartment below.

Other residents in the building were able to return that evening, Haskell said.