WEST GARDINER — Firefighters quickly doused a blaze just after 3 p.m. today in the ceiling of room at the rear of West Gardiner Beef, at 10 Gilley Drive.

West Gardiner Fire Chief Vicki Dill said firefighters were on the scene within a few minutes of the call.

Smoke was coming out the eaves when they arrived and some flames were inside the building.

“They did a good job knocking it down,” she said, waiting outside the building as firefighters surveyed the inside of the building with a thermal camera.

Firefighters from Litchfield and Farmingdale departments responded to assist West Gardiner.

Dill said a preliminary investigation indicated the fire probably started in a ballast in a fluorescent light fixture in the ceiling. She described the damage as limited to one room and its contents.

“I think with some venting, they’ll be OK,” Dill said.

The business, a custom slaughterhouse, had closed its doors at noon today, and owner Todd Pierce and son Ben were alerted by a passer-by.

Todd Pierce, who has operated business for 35 years, said he expects to be open at 7:30 a.m. Monday as usual. The business is closed on Sundays.