Investigation underway into Columbia apartment fire

Fire crews responded to an apartment fire in the 300 block of Tiger Lane Sunday at 1:56 a.m.

According to a news release, fire crews arrived in under four minutes and reported flames coming from a third-floor balcony. Crews were able to extinguish the fire in about five minutes.

Officials said third-floor residents were taken to a community center in the apartment complex, as the fire damaged the walkway on the third floor.

An assistant fire marshall investigated the origin and cause of the fire. Officials said the fire started in the walkway in front of apartment 122.

Authorities have not yet determined the cause of the fire, but said in a news release they could not rule out improperly discarded smoking material.

The fire damage is estimated at $20,000.