CHARLESTON, W.Va. — A shorted-out microwave oven caused a fire that did significant damage to a Charleston apartment building Sunday morning.
The blaze at the Sanctuary Apartments near Hillcrest Drive was first reported at 5:20 a.m., Charleston Fire Department Captain Dave Blaylock of the Fire Prevention Bureau said. A smoke alarm in a second floor apartment was working and alerted the woman living there. She noticed an orange glow coming from her kitchen, Blaylock said.
“It (smoke alarm) warned her and gave her a good head start. You could say it saved her life,” Blaylock said.
Neighbors were able to help the woman get her child to safety. The flames then spread to a third floor apartment, Blaylock said.
“I believe the lady exited the structure onto the balcony and she probably left the sliding glass door open and then that allowed the flames to ventilate out that window and leap from the second floor to the third floor,” he said.
Those living on the third floor also got out safely.
The shorted to microwave was located above the kitchen stove. Blaylock said it’s unusual for the units to short out but it does happen.
The fire caused significant damage to the two units with the first floor apartment sustaining water damage. There are approximately 24 units in the building.
Blaylock gives credit to Station 4 of the Charleston Fire Department for its quick response and being able to contain the flames.
Estimated damage is close to $200,000, according to Blaylock.