A cigarette butt mishap ignited an apartment fire in the South Belt/Ellington area, causing $15,000 in damage while firefighters managed to save about $90,000 in property. The blaze, which occurred on April 21, was tackled by Houston firefighters who responded to a call at 3:01 p.m. at 9988 Windmill Lakes Blvd.

Upon arrival, the crew witnessed light smoke streaming from a second-floor balcony, according to a release. The accidental fire starter, a dropped cigarette, had ignited the trim and wall. The resident, in a scramble to contain the burgeoning flames, wielded a fire extinguisher before the arrival of the Houston Fire Department (HFD).

In their effort to combat the fire, firefighters stripped back the walls to thoroughly douse the flames. Their valiant efforts were successful in squelching the fire, leaving no reported injuries in its wake. The aftermath of their work included the use of a fan to clear residual smoke from the residential units and a meticulous overhaul to ensure structural safety, reported the city's report.

32 responders, drawing from Stations 26, 52, 61, and 70, were dispatched to manage the scene. After the flames were tamed, the HFD informed the property manager of the event, outlining the sequence and, the minimal damage sustained.