(Danville, Va.) – Smoke from an elevator pump forced the evacuation of three floors of Heritage Towers early Saturday morning.

Danville Firefighters were called to the retirement complex on South Ridge Street about 7:15 a.m. The Danville Fire Department responded with units from the Lynn Street, Industrial Avenue, and the Airport Fire Stations. Firefighters were on scene for just over two hours.

The first units to arrive found a problem with an elevator motor and power was turned off to the elevators. Moderate smoke reported on the second, third, and fourth floors and all three floors were evacuated. The occupants on the fourth floor were taken outside to waiting buses. The others were moved to a safe location on the first floor.

Maintenance personnel determined a fluid leak at the elevator motor had shorted a pump, causing the smoke.

Three occupants were treated and released by the Danville Life Saving Crew. Danville Police blocked the street until the situation was under control.

Once all floors were cleared of smoke, the occupants were allowed to return to their apartments.

The Danville Fire Department had three engines, a ladder truck and three support vehicles on scene, along with 31 firefighters.