NEWS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE January 19, 2000

EARLY MORNING FIRE CAUSED BY HOT ASHES

CARY, NC – A blaze that destroyed nearly a dozen apartments early this morning and left almost 20 people homeless was caused by one resident’s mishandling of fireplace ashes, according to investigators with the Town of Cary Fire Department. Since the fire was an accident, no charges will be filed.

The Cary Fire Department was called to 113 Ribbon Lane in the Amber Woods Apartment Complex around 3:30 AM today where they found eight units totally engulfed in fire. These units were destroyed as well as two others that suffered severe water damage. While one pet cat died, no people were injured in the fire. The property management team from Amber Woods as well as the American Red Cross is working with the displaced residents to help them find temporary housing.

Fire officials encourage citizens to use care when handling ashes. Discard all ashes in a non-combustible container--not in a paper bag or cardboard box--no matter how "cool" you think the ashes have become. The container should have a lid to keep wind from blowing the ashes out of it. Also, do not store the container on a wooden (or other combustible material) floor or against a wood (or other type of combustible material) wall.

For other important fire safety tips, call your local fire department, or visit the Town of Cary’s website at www.townofcary.org.

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