At approximately 2:30 AM on Wednesday, December 13, 2017, the Central Dakota Communications Center received a report of a burning smell in the area of Riverview Avenue. The Bismarck Fire Department was dispatched to investigate. While in route, responding fire crews, received an update for a possible fire at the 1000 block of Memorial Highway. The first arriving fire crew reported a fire on the balcony of an apartment building and the occupants evacuating, the fire crew established command, deployed a fire attack hoseline, and attacked the fire from the exterior. Additional fire units arrived and assisted with fire attack, search, extinguishment, ventilation, and overhaul. Investigating crews found heavy smoke and limited fire spread into one apartment unit. Crews extinguished the balcony fire and ventilated the building.
Six Fire Department apparatus and 17 firefighters were dispatched to the scene. Bismarck Police Department assisted with scene control. Metro Area Ambulance was on scene to provide assistance. The apartment building was occupied at time of the fire and the occupant of the affected apartment was displaced. Crisis Care Chaplaincy was called on scene to support the displaced occupant and the Red Cross was notified.
The cause of the fire was attributed to improper disposal of smoking materials. By following a few simple safety tips people can limit the risk of smoking related fires in the home.
Fully extinguish all smoking materials, every time.
Pinch it, before you pitch it. Make sure butts are cool to the touch before discarding.
Never use a plastic container for butts.
Use only approved non-combustible containers to dispose of smoking materials.