Investigators from the Valley Regional Fire Authority have determined that an electrical malfunction caused Friday’s two-alarm apartment fire in south Auburn.

The large fire at 3850 D Place S.E. damaged all four units and their contents. Investigators estimate the damage at $350,000.

The fire, which began at about 4:21 p.m., displaced seven residents No one was seriously injured, although firefighters evaluated one family for smoke inhalation.

The VRFA responded to reports of heavy smoke and flames belching from an apartment complex in south Auburn. Fortunately, all residents had evacuated their apartments safely by the time crews arrived.

Thirty-three firefighters from the VRFA, Kent and South King fire departments were called to extinguish the flames on the two-story, four-plex building.

Although the fire was extinguished in 20 minutes, three apartments were destroyed, and the fourth sustained heavy smoke and water damage. Three of the four units were occupied at the time of the fire, and the the fourth was vacant.

The VRFA contacted the American Red Cross to help the residents of one unit, two adults and one child, with temporary housing. The other residents, one man, one woman and two children, were staying with family and friends.

The fire began in a lower apartment unit.