Cigarette leads to Wilmington apartment fire

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — Investigators say improperly discarded smoking material is to blame for a fire that caused about $150,000 in damage at a Wilmington apartment complex overnight.

The Wilmington Fire Department says a call came in at 3:13 a.m. for a fire at Clear Run Apartments at 5363 New Center Drive.

Crews attacked the fire while also searching to make sure no one was inside. WFD says while the apartment appeared to be occupied, no one was inside.

The fire investigator determined the fire was accidental and started outside from improperly discarded smoking material. Damage estimates are $100,000 to the structure and another $50,000 to the contents.

No injuries were reported.