Seven families were displaced Friday when a major fire swept through a building at the Sawmill Apartments in Whiteville.
City Fire Marshal Hal Lowder said the 3:30 p.m. fire was accidental, and was caused by discarded smoking materials. Losses were estimated at $1 million.
Smoke from the fire was visible for miles, and at one point drifted across U.S. 701 to Madison Street
Three requests for units were sent out by Columbus 911. Whiteville Fire was assisted by Lake Waccamaw, Brunswick, Tabor City, Chadbourn, and Acme-Delco-Riegelwood.
One firefighter was overcome by heat, Lowder said, but no residents were injured.
The Red Cross is assisting the displaced families.
Seven units were considered a total loss, while a vacant apartment sustained extensive damage, Lowder said.
The Office of State Fire Marshal, ATF and county fire marshal are assisting in the investigation, Lowder said.
