Fire Burns Ross Township Apartment

The Ross Township Fire Marshal suspects a stove burner, left on in an empty apartment, triggered a fire at the Highlands at Chapel Hill condominiums Tuesday afternoon.

A firefighter and a resident from another apartment were taken to the hospital. Both were conscious and alert, and paramedics indicated they were likely overcome by either smoke or heat.

The fire broke out shortly after 3 p.m. in unit 51 of the building, located at 5900 Babcock Boulevard.

The occupant of the apartment was not at home at the time.

"It appears the burner was just left on and possibly something combustible nearby caught fire," said John Reubi. "It was an electric burner, and possibly the radiant heat from the burner was enough to ignite something on the adjacent countertop." 

Reubi said the fire damage was limited to the one condominium unit although smoke did spread throughout parts of the building. 

The American Red Cross is assisting three families with a combination of food, clothing and shelter.

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