Fire causes partial roof collapse on Columbia apartment building

Fire crews responded to a fire at around 3:30 Thursday afternoon at Providence Hill Apartments in Columbia.

Those apartments are just off Providence Road near Reactor Field.

The fire was discovered by a construction worker who noticed flames coming out of the attic.

When firefighters arrived, flames were shooting out of the roof of one of the buildings.

According to fire officials, the fire originated in the attic and was electrical in nature.

When that happened, emergency responders immediately called a second alarm, sending in more trucks.

The roof of one 6-apartment building was completely burned and collapsed as firefighters continued to battle the blaze after 5 p.m.

5 of the 6 apartments in the building were occupied at the time. Officials told ABC 17 News one of those apartments was undergoing a remodel. Contractors were working on the outside of the building at the time.

Damage is estimated at $450,000.