SEATTLE -- Fire started by a power cord gutted a copy shop on the ground floor of a three-story building in Seattle's University District overnight.

"Everything's gone," said Mohammed Azmath, owner of Professional Copy 'n Print, which lost $500,000 worth of equipment, including copiers, computers, paper and supplies.

Azmath said the fire started at about 11:15 p.m. Tuesday, not long after the copy shop closed.

WATCH IT: What Caused Fire At U-District Business
SLIDESHOW: Fire Burns U-District Copy Business

Apartment residents on the top two floors of the building at 42nd Street and University Way were safely evacuated with firefighters rescuing some from windows by ladder.

Elisabeth Rabusseau was one resident who had to escape the building out a window after she discovered there was too much smoke in the hallway for her to leave through the usual exit.

"Once I realized that I couldn't get out through the door, I wasn't that relaxed anymore, because I thought 'Wow, I really have to get down through this window. I've never done this before,'" said Rabusseau.

Rabusseau was able to climb down slowly on a ladder.

The blaze was discovered about 11 p.m. by police responding to burglar alarm that may have been triggered by the fire.

An aggressive attack by firefighters prevented the fire from spreading.

Investigators ruled the fire accidental, saying a power cord to the cash register overheated.

Azmath said the business is insured and that he'll probably try to reopen at some point.