Fire has displaced 18 seniors in Yarmouth.

The barn of the New Beginnings seniors home on Argyle Street caught fire after 3 p.m. Monday.

Everyone got out of the building safely.

Yarmouth fire chief Mike Deveau says they arrived within minutes.

“The career staff were on scene within three minutes, and had water on the fire within five minutes. That was a significant contributing factor to saving this structure,” said Deveau.

There’s no word yet on the cause of the fire.

Deveau predicts it will take some time for residents to move back in, as there is heavy smoke damage through the home.

The Wedgeport, Lake Vaughan and Port Maitland departments also responded.

EHS and RCMP were also on scene, assisting those who were displaced with their needs.