Kitchen appliance sparks West Ashley apartment fire

CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCBD) – A failing kitchen appliance is believed to have sparked a West Ashley apartment fire.

Crews with the Charleston Fire Department and partner agencies responded to an apartment complex off Westchase Drive shortly after 9 a.m. Thursday and found smoke coming from a two-story building.

Firefighters searched the building and helped with evacuations while working to extinguish the kitchen fire inside one of the units.

“Crews reported control of the fire within three minutes and proceeded to search for fire extension into the walls and attic and extinguish any remaining hot spots,” said Charleston fire officials.

Investigators from the fire marshal’s office determined the fire originated within the kitchen area of the apartment unit and was caused by a kitchen appliance that failed.

Officials say damage was contained to that one apartment unit with minor water damage to the unit below. Two occupants were displaced.

No injuries were reported.