BAR HARBOR — A fire at the Compass Harbor Condominiums early Saturday morning was caused by a smoldering can of cigarette butts, Bar Harbor Fire Chief Dave Rand said.

Firefighters were called to the scene at 1:50 a.m. when a neighbor saw the flames. A butt can on the front porch outside an apartment had caught on fire and flames subsequently spread to the deck and exterior wall of the building.

The people living inside the unit were asleep when the blaze began but were safely outside when firefighters arrived. Adjoining condominium units were not occupied.

“We quickly got the fire extinguished,” assistant chief Matt Bartlett said.

Firefighters remained on the scene, using a thermal imaging camera to ensure no flames had entered the walls and ceiling. The adjoining units sustained smoke damage and had to be ventilated with fans.

The building is estimated to have received $2,000 in damage, Chief Rand said. Most of the damage came from firefighters tearing open the walls and ceilings to make sure the fire was completely out.

Most damage was limited to the exterior of the apartment. The occupants continue to live there, Chief Rand said.

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