Heavy smoke forced families to flee their home in New Rochelle this morning.

Fire officials say the blaze sparked in the basement of a multi-family home at 131 Second St. around 10 a.m. today.

Officials say they believe the fire started in the dryer in the basement. "Nobody really pays attention to cleaning out the lint and not only cleaning the screen, but also the duct which goes to the outside of the house. What happens over time and when there's enough buildup, enough heat, bad things can happen," says New Rochelle Fire Chief Andrew Sandor. No one was injured.

Fire officials say the tenants should be able to move back in later today.