AUGUSTA — Firefighters rescued one person Thursday night after a fire broke out inside a Water Street apartment.

Augusta Fire Department Battalion Chief David Groder said a man was calling for help when firefighters arrived at the two-story apartment building at 386 Water St., just a few hundred feet away from the Hartford Fire Station.

The man, who officials would not identify, was unable to escape because of heavy smoke.

“Our members removed him,” Groder said. “The guy was still in the building, and they had to carry him down the stairs. There was enough smoke so the guy couldn’t get out on his own.”

The victim was treated at the scene for smoke inhalation.

The fire came in as a smoke alarm and an emergency 911 call at approximately 7:30 p.m., Groder said. Firefighters were able to quickly knock down the flames.

The fire caused about $25,000 in smoke, water and heat damage.

The two people who live in the apartment were assisted by the Red Cross. The building, which is owned by Tony Loiko, was boarded up on Friday.

Firefighters from Togus, Hallowell and Winthrop responded to assist.

The fire started on a kitchen stove, Groder said.

“The male fell asleep,” Groder said. “He didn’t notice the fire, and he was unable to escape on his own.”