Townhouse fire causes $100,000 in damage

Improper use of an appliance near combustible materials caused a $100,000 fire in an east London townhouse, London Fire Department says.

The fire broke out about 11:30 p.m. Monday at a complex at 1600 Culver Dr., said platoon chief Gary Mosburger.

“On arrival, crews were witness to heavy smoke and fire coming from the second floor of the unit,” he said.

No residents were hurt, but one firefighter suffered minor injuries, Mosburger said.

“There was some smoke migration, which was minor, to another unit, so it had to be ventilated.”

The fire is under investigation, but the fire department said Tuesday it was caused by misuse of a household appliance around combustible materials, which can include cardboard and clothing.

Mosburger said the townhouse unit likely sustained structural damage.

“There's a number of factors that we need (to look at) to determine whether it's habitable or not . . . and that determination has not been made yet,” he said.