NASHUA - A pile of debris that was set on fire in the hallway of an apartment building at 23 Temple St., early Christmas morning is considered an arson attempt and is under investigation by the city's fire and police department, according to officials.

Deputy Fire Chief Michael O'Brien Sr., said the fire at the four-story brick building, a former YMCA building, was under control in minutes as residents began to extinguish the fire before two engine companies and a ladder truck arrived on scene.

"We consider this to be quite serious," O'Brien said. "The building was occupied and the residents were sleeping," he said. "The alarms worked and awoke the residents. We consider this an arson attempt. It could not have been good."

No one was injured and O'Brien deemed damage to the building as minor.