Several dozen Roseville residents likely won't be allowed to return to their homes for a few days after a fire Tuesday night in a 24-unit apartment building, authorities said on Wednesday.

"There was a lot of smoke and electrical damage," said Fire Chief Tim O'Neill. About 75 residents remained out of their apartments in the 2800 block of Pascal Street after Tuesday's evacuation, he said.

Local Red Cross officials said they found lodging for 12 of the residents. Others likely found temporary housing with family and friends.

The blaze started about 7:45 p.m. Tuesday in a second-floor unit in the three-story Centennial Garden Apartments, spewing heavy smoke and flames that could be seen from the street, O'Neill said.

Firefighters used a ladder to rescue two residents from a second-story window because their escape through the hall was impeded by heavy smoke, O'Neill said.

One of the residents was poised to jump before help arrived, according to the Fire Department.

Further inspections are needed before the residents can return, the Fire Department said, adding that the fire caused at least $1.3 million in damage.

All the units suffered smoke damage, but three units that were severely damaged are uninhabitable, O'Neill said.

Most residents likely will be able to return to their homes in the next few days, he said.

About 80 firefighters from Roseville and neighboring cities needed five hours to contain the blaze, O'Neill said. One suffered a minor injury that did not require hospitalization.

The fire's cause is under investigation.

Paul Walsh • 612-673-4482