SANFORD, Fla. — Three charcoal grills that had been placed into storage likely sparked a fire at a Sanford apartment complex early Sunday morning, officials said.
Dozens of firefighters responded to the Sanford Landing Apartments on Landing Drive just after 4 a.m. for reports of a fire.
When crews arrived, flames and smoke were shooting through the roof of one of the buildings.
One resident reported having to jump from a second-story balcony to escape the flames, but he was not seriously injured.
There were no other injuries reported.
“The people on this side of the building I think were able to save most of their stuff, but people on the other side, especially on the second floor, lost everything,” said resident Drew Nelson. “I saw my friend that was on the top floor, he had punched out the window, then jumped out the window from the second floor.”
At least eight apartments were badly damaged, displacing nine people from their homes.
After the fire was put out, the Seminole County and Sanford fire departments monitored hot spots and worked to determine an exact cause.
Sanford Fire Inspector Mark James said one resident reported that they had placed the grills in a storage closet on the property after cooking out with a friend.
James said grills, including charcoal and gas, are not allowed on balconies at the complex.
The building was a total loss, officials said.
WFTV
