For the Reporter

Valley Regional Fire Authority fire investigators have determined the cause of an apartment fire early Tuesday morning was accidental, most probably due to combustible smoking materials on a deck.

Damage is estimated at approximately $800,000 for the structure and contents.

Residents of the four-plex building affected by the fire have not yet been able to reoccupy their units because of extensive damage to the structure’s electrical system, the VRFA said.

The fire, in the 3700 block of D Place Southeast, Auburn, was called in to 911 just after 3 a.m. Tuesday. Fire damage was contained to one apartment unit, thanks to firefighting efforts and the presence of fire walls in the attic space. The three other apartments sustained water and light smoke damage.

The VRFA reminds everyone to dispose of smoking materials with water or sand in non-combustible containers.