An east-end apartment fire sent 14 people to hospital with smoke inhalation -- but none of the cases was serious, according to Toronto Fire officials.

The blaze, which started on the fourth floor of a Biggin Court complex, near Victoria Park Ave. and Eglinton Ave. E., was doused within 15 minutes but caused extensive smoke damage.

"We received numerous calls from persons unable to exit their unit due to heavy smoke," said Toronto Fire Capt. Dave Eckerman.

CANDLE BLAMED

It's believed a candle left unattended set fire to a futon.

"The people in an adjacent unit detected smoke and decided to leave, but they left a pot on the stove, which created a further issue for the fire department," Eckerman said. "I'm not sure if it caused a kitchen fire, but with the heat and smoke it was difficult to determine which unit the fire took place in."

Many residents left their doors open when they fled, creating another problem.

"People should leave their doors unlocked but closed," Eckerman said. "There was heavy smoke and we didn't know if the smoke travelled into a unit or was coming from there.

"Still we had the fire out in 15 minutes. Fourteen people were removed by Toronto Fire and given to EMS. They were treated and released."

People have been allowed back into the building, although two units are uninhabitable.