A fire forced dozens of tenants out of their apartments in Woodmere Sunday and is raising questions about faulty smoke detectors.

Police say 55 people were evacuated from Fairfax Estates after a fire broke out in the basement about 2:30 a.m. Building manager Peter Rexha says the fire started in the laundry room and admits that smoke detectors did not sound. Although the fire was contained to one room, thick smoke cut visibility while firefighters battled the flames.

Residents were allowed back into their apartments, despite heavy water damage. The building?s electricity was also out. Fire officials are investigating the fire and why safety precautions failed.