Apartment destroyed by fire

A fire caused extensive damage to the Steeplechase apartment complex on Straight Street in Boone late Sunday night.

The fire was discovered when resident Jeremy Bagwell, 20, returned home to his first floor unit to find it in flames. Bagwell called 911 at 10:37 p.m.

The Boone Fire Department responded and had the fire under control within 10 minutes. The entire apartment complex was evacuated during the fire.

Residents were allowed to return to their apartments at approximately midnight.

The fire was contained to only one unit, though several surrounding units suffered smoke damage.

Cpt. J. Isaacs of the Boone Fire Department said the total damage is estimated at $50,000. The property is owned by the Winkler Organization.

“The cause of the fire was accidental,” Isaacs said.

Bagwell was treated for smoke inhalation. No other injuries were reported.

By Melanie Davis, staff writer