Discarded incense sparks West Ashley apartment fire

CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCBD) – Multiple fire crews responded to an apartment fire in West Ashley Friday night, officials confirmed. 

Charleston Fire Engine 116 was near the scene when its crew saw smoke and headed to the Ashley Oaks Apartments just after 8 p.m.

The engine arrived 30 seconds after dispatch called the report in and saw smoke venting from a two-story multi-family building. 

Crews immediately began an attack and managed to contain most of the damage to a bedroom while evacuating the building. 

Fire marshal investigators confirmed the fire started after a resident discarded incense items in the trash when the individual thought they were extinguished.

When the resident returned from leaving, there was a fire in the bedroom where the items had been thrown away. 

Two units in the 16-unit building were damaged by fire, and six by smoke. 

The American Red Cross is assisting displaced residents. 

One person was injured by smoke inhalation and taken to a nearby hospital for treatment.

Charleston, Saint Andrews, and North Charleston Fire Departments, Charleston County EMS, and Charleston PD responded to the scene.