Apartment complex catches fire; fills nearby buildings with smoke

An apartment complex in Central El Paso caught fire early Saturday morning, according to the El Paso Fire Department.

Just before 2 a.m. crews were sent to the 1400 block of Myrtle Avenue to check up on reports of heavy smoke.

It appears the fire began in a front living room of an apartment, fire officials said.

Nine units and 25 firefighters responded. They were able to control the fire within 10 minutes, officials said.

Heavy smoke and fire damaged was reported in the initial apartment, as well as the adjacent apartment.

Four people were in the adjacent apartment, but no injuries were reported.

A bar and restaurant directly behind the apartment also filled with smoke.

The cause of the fire is unknown, and under investigation.

Total damage is estimated at $20,000.