Fire that displaced 16 in Florence likely started from exhaust fan

FLORENCE, Ala. (WHNT) — A Florence apartment complex fire that displaced 16 people in June has been ruled accidental, according to authorities.

According to Florence Fire Rescue (FFR) Deputy Chief Tim Anerton, the fire at Heatherwood Apartments likely started from an exhaust fan in the bathroom of an apartment.

A spokesperson for FFR said crews were called to the apartments on Mars Hill Road around 11:45 p.m. on June 21. Once on scene, firefighers found heavy smoke and fire beginning to break through the roof of a two-story apartment building.

Crews found an upstairs bathroom and attic engulfed in flames. The first crew on the scene began fighting the fire while looking for anyone inside the apartments. By this time, the fire had spread through the attic space to all four apartments in the building.

FFR said the building was badly damaged from the fire and also had water damage from crews trying to put the fire out.

In total, 16 people were displaced from the four apartments. FFR said the Red Cross has assisted in helping all who have been displaced because of the fire.

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