BEATRICE – Beatrice Firefighters were able to hold damage to a minimum in a fire at a new apartment complex in north Beatrice, along Irving Street.  The fire broke out Saturday evening, just before eight o’clock. 

Firefighters were sent to a fire on the 3rd floor of a multi-floor apartment building.  Arriving crews found a fire on the exterior balcony of a third-floor apartment….with the flames starting to extend to the siding, around the balcony.

Firefighters were able to put out the flames from the apartment and from a balcony directly below it.   It took only five minutes to bring the fire under control.  Fire Chief Brian Daake says crews were able to use water fire extinguishers to douse the flames, rather than extending hose lines.

Damage to the third-floor balcony and exterior of the building was estimated at $2,500. The cause of the fire was determined to be improper disposal of smoking materials. Eight firefighters, two fire engines and a support vehicle…along with Beatrice Police, responded to the scene.

There were no injuries, and all residents of the complex were allowed to return to their apartments.  Firefighters were on scene for nearly an hour.