COLUMBIA, S.C. — 33 people, including 21 children, have been displaced after a two-alarm fire destroyed at least eight units at a north Columbia apartment complex Friday afternoon.
The Columbia-Richland Fire Department said crews responded to a fire at Willow Run Apartments off of Alcott Drive around 3 p.m. Friday.
Officials say fire broke through the roof of the building, which suffered significant damages. No injuries were reported but at least eight units of an apartment building suffered extensive damages.
Disaster-trained volunteers with the American Red Cross said they are helping the displaced residents. Six Red Cross of South Carolina Disaster team members responded to provide financial assistance for immediate needs like shelter, food and clothes to the families impacted.
Investigators with the Columbia-Richland Fire Department say the fire was caused by a space heater in one apartment that was being powered improperly.