(Cherokee)– Investigators say a problem with an electric cord under a sofa was the probable cause of a fire at a Cherokee apartment complex that has temporarily left some people homeless and sent one person to the hospital.
The Chrokee Fire Department was called to building “C” at Timber Ridge Apartments around 6:44 p.m. Friday. Upon arriving they found heavy fire coming from a first floor apartment. Officials say the flames had spread to an outside deck located above the first floor apartment and into the roof area of the building.
Firefighters mounted an exterior attack and slowed the blaze. They then went inside the building and put out the fire.
Officials say all occupants of the 16 apartments in the building were evacuated. One person was treated for smoke inhalation and released.
Damage was reported to all 16 apartments with smoke, fire and water damage reported to two units.
An investigation by the Cherokee Fire Department and the State Fire Marshal’s Office determined the fire started in a first-floor apartment. They say it was likely the result of a problem with an electric cord under a sofa in the living room area. They say the sofa ignited and that the blaze quickly spread from there.
The building is currently not able to be occupied.
No injuries were reported to firefighters.
