GAITHERSBURG, Md. - Authorities say a two-alarm fire at a Gaithersburg condominium building that displaced more than a dozen people was caused by improperly discarded smoking materials.


Montgomery County fire department spokesman Capt. Oscar Garcia says firefighters were called to the fire in the 300 block of Palmspring Drive about 2:30 p.m. Tuesday. He says the fire began on the ground level of the 12-unit building and traveled upward, burning the roof off the building.

Garcia says the fire was accidental and was caused by improperly discarded smoking materials.

Garcia says 18 people, including five children, were displaced.

He said one firefighter suffered a minor injury.

Copyright 2010 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.