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A two-alarm fire early Monday has left at least 60 residents, many of them seniors and disabled, without homes. 

The blaze broke out just after midnight at UA Homes, a 75-unit residential hotel at 1040 University Ave., near 10th Street. Firefighters suspect that a pile of clothes was accidentally lit on fire.  

The building’s old sprinkler system failed to contain the fire, they said, allowing flames to crawl into the walls and spread through the four-story structure. 

Three residents and one firefighter were injured during the four-hour fire fight, and were taken to Alta Bates Medical Center, according to the Berkeley Fire Department. The firefighter, who was being treated for smoke inhalation and a lacerated arm, remained hospitalized Monday evening. The firefighter’s name was not released. 

American Red Cross officials took displaced residents to an emergency shelter set up just blocks away, at Berkeley’s James Kenney Recreation Center on Eighth Street. 

Red Cross officials say that because of fire and water damage residents cannot return home for at least a month. 

“It’s a tragic day for these residents,” said Jaye Winkler, a Red Cross volunteer. “And most of these people are elderly, have severe disabilities, have ambulatory problems. It’s a a fairly fragile and vulnerable population.” 

On Monday afternoon, more than 40 residents who lost their homes gathered in the gym at James Kenney, where some caught naps on several dozen cots set up beneath basketball nets. Red Cross officials gave out food and clothing. 

“It looks like I’ll be starting all over,” said Mark Shimada. Shimada said his apartment was one of the hardest hit by the fire and that he is relying on the Red Cross to find him a place to stay until he can return to UA Homes. 

The fire department estimated that the damage exceeded $500,000, but that the building will be inhabitable again. 

In the meantime, Red Cross officials say the emergency shelter will remain open for three to five days. After that, other housing options such as the Red Cross service center in Oakland will be made available to those who can’t find new living quarters on their own. 

“Red Cross will assist these people as long as they need,” assured Winkler. “How we will be providing that assistance may change.” 

Caseworkers are scheduled to meet with displaced residents today to discuss temporary living arrangements. 

Firefighters believe the blaze was accidental. On Monday its cause was still being investigated.