At 7:01 PM on Thursday, March 24, the Bismarck Fire Department responded to a report of a fire on a third floor apartment balcony at 2909 Ohio St., Bismarck.

The first arriving truck reported they could see no fire and would be investigating. It was learned the fire was on the south side of the structure. A ladder was set to the third floor balcony and a hoseline was used to quickly extinguish the fire. The fire had burned through the decking on the balcony and had ignited the vinyl siding next to the patio door. Fire crews gained access to the apartment and conducted a search. The search found that there was no one home at the time of the fire.

The fire appeared to be accidental in nature and the cause appeared to be improperly discarded smoking materials. Damage is estimated at $2,000.00. There were no injuries and no occupants were displaced.

The fire department responded with four engines, one ladder truck, one command vehicle and sixteen personnel.

This is the third incident within the past month where the cause of the fire has been identified as improperly discarded smoking materials. The Bismarck Fire Department reminds the public to use care when disposing of smoking materials. Dispose of cigarettes by using a metal container, or by placing them in a cup of water.