Investigators say the careless disposal of smoking materials on a balcony is to blame for a two-alarm fire that heavily damaged an Omaha apartment building on Saturday afternoon.
The fire was reported around 2:30 p.m. at the Pines at Q Plaza apartments near 86th and Q. Due to the smoke, flames and intense summer heat, several firefighters were treated at the scene for heat-related illness. A second alarm was called so crews could be rotated as they battled both the fire and extreme heat.
None of the residents were injured. Nearly three dozen of them are now looking for another place to stay. Some of them are getting help from the American Red Cross. Firefighters also rescued several pets from the burning building. Damage is estimated at $100,000.
(Photo: 6 News)