NORWICH – A fire broke out in the middle of the city Monday afternoon, causing significant damage to a downtown residence.

The apartment house located at 52 West Main St. was badly damaged when a fire broke out in the back of the house, engulfing a small deck and then creeping into the interior. The house also suffered serious smoke damage, but firefighters at the scene said they were still evaluating the damage.

“We are looking into the cause, but we haven’t yet determined it for sure. We know the fire started outside of the house, possibly the lawn mower,” said acting Fire Chief Joseph Angelino.