Fire Dept.: Youngster Caused Apartment Fire

LAS CRUCES — Las CrucesFire Department officials saya child is to blame for a fire thatdamaged an apartment uniton Tuesday.

The flames broke out around 3 p.m. at one unit of the complex, located at 1325 Sixth Street, crews reported. Firefighters had to evacuate the residents inside and discovered no one was injured, though two cats died as a result of the smoke.

The fire caused significant damage to the front room of the home and smoke damage was found throughout the residence. Total damage to the apartment was estimated at around $35,000.

No word was released as of Wednesday concerning possible charges to be filed.