(Source: Columbia Fire Department/Twitter)
COLUMBIA, SC (WIS) -
The Richland County Fire Marshal's Office says a child playing with a lighter at an apartment complex Thursday afternoon was the cause of a fire that displaced 30 people and killed a dog.
Twelve apartments were damaged as a result of the fire at The Views on Longcreek off Longcreek Drive. The Red Cross has been assisting those affected by the blaze.
No one was seriously injured in the fire, but a dog in one of the lower level apartments died shortly after being rescued.
The fire marshal is using the fire to help remind parents to keep matches and lighters in safe locations out of the sight and reach of small children.
No word on damage estimates.
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30 residents displaced, cat rescued from Columbia apartment fire
Thursday, May 18th 2017, 5:53 pm EDT
By Tanita Gaither, Digital Content Manager
COLUMBIA, SC (AP) -
At least 12 apartment units were damaged, four significantly, following a 2-alarm fire at The Views on Longcreek off Longcreek Drive Thursday afternoon.
According to the Columbia Fire Department, at least 30 residents are displaced and will receive assistance from the Red Cross of South Carolina and the apartment complex.
A cat was also rescued from one of the apartments and returned to its owner. There were no injuries to residents or firefighters.
The cause of the fire is unknown at this time and is being investigated by the Richland County Fire Marshal. Both CFD and the Irmo Fire Department responded to the fire.
This is the second fire at the apartment complex in the last month. Two dogs were rescued from a fire in late April.