An overflowing toilet at The Dirt Cowboy Cafe that leaked into the basement and set off a fire alarm at about 8:45 last night caused the evacuation of 15 apartments and eight businesses.
A fire engine, two police cars and about 40 people gathered on the corner of Main and East Wheelock Streets while officials from the fire department inspected the Dirt Cowboy, Murphy's Tavern and the apartments above the two stores.
Fire Captain Michael Whitcomb identified the cause of the alarm, determined there was no fire and allowed the people back into the stores and apartments.
Ken Watrous, an employee at the Dirt Cowboy who cleaned up the water that leaked into the basement, said no damage was done to the store.
