COLUMBUS, Ind. — Columbus firefighters were sent to a balcony fire at Stonegate Apartments, 397 Wint Lane, at 6:35 p.m. Wednesday involving a plastic lawn chair that was on fire on the third floor.
When firefighters arrived, they saw flames building up toward the walls and approaching the balcony ceiling, which was visible from the parking lot, said Capt. Mike Wilson, Columbus Fire Department spokesman.
Columbus Police officers began notifying tenants on all three floors on the presence of a fire, Wilson said.
Firefighters deployed 200 feet of firefighting hose line up to the third story apartment where they found flames had melted through the balcony vinyl ceiling. Flames were moving toward the wooden structural materials within the attic when firefighters extinguished the fire, Wilson said. Firefighters reported minor charring to the roof decking but were confident the fire was confined directly above the balcony without extension through the attic space.
The cause of the fire is under investigation. Damages to the building are estimated at $25,000, Wilson said.
Water damage occurred in apartments on all three floors as a result of the fire, Wilson said.
Stonegate Apartment management told firefighters they would be providing any temporary shelter assistance for residents who were affected.
Agencies that assisted at the scene include the Columbus Police Department, Columbus Regional Health Ambulance Service, Duke Energy and Columbus City Utilities. No injuries were reported.
