CLACKAMAS, OR (KPTV) -
Investigators believe improperly discarded cigarettes likely led to a Clackamas apartment fire that caused $300,000 in damage.
Crews were called out to the Crown Court Apartments at 13608 S.E. 97th last Saturday morning. Callers to 911 reported intense flames.
As fire crews arrived, people in the apartments were seen throwing wrapped Christmas gifts down the second floor staircase.
The fire produced so much smoke it could be seen from the Clackamas Town Center more than a mile away.
Firefighters got control of it within 20 minutes. No one was hurt, but at least eight people were displaced from their homes.
Several dogs were safely rescued from the burning apartment by firefighters.
On Wednesday, firefighters said their investigation was complete and the official cause of the two-alarm fire is undetermined. However, investigators said the most likely cause was improperly discarded cigarettes.
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