Forty people were forced out of their apartments in Riverhead after a fire broke out inside the building. 

Fire officials and police were called to the Concern for Independent Living resident home on West Main Street Thursday.

Police say just after 6 p.m. they arrived to find heavy smoke and the sprinkler systems activated.

They say they found a small sofa chair in flames in a second-floor apartment.

Officials say they believe the cause of the fire may have been from someone smoking a cigarette.

The building was deemed "unlivable" because of the smoke and water damage.

No one was injured in the fire but officers say all 40 residents are displaced.

"They moved everybody from the building in the busses and took them to hotels. Luckily, I was able to stay with a friend,” said Carmela Faucett, one of the residents affected.

The Red Cross responded to help residents relocate.