Attic fire wakes family, causes $25,000 in damage

COLUMBIA — No one was injured in an attic fire early Saturday morning after the smell of smoke woke up the sleeping residents, according to a Columbia Fire Department news release.

Resident Etta Carter and family members exited the house, located at 604 Hunt Ave., and realized the roof was smoking, according to the release.

The family had no advance warning, because the attic was above the line of smoke detectors, Battalion Chief Gary Warren Jr. said.

The fire, described as smoldering, was contained to the attic and initial damage estimates are listed at $25,000, the release said.

A large portion of the ceiling was pulled down to ensure the fire was extinguished, and residents had to stay with family elsewhere.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation, Warren said.