A fire at a Crossroads apartment building early Saturday damaged several units, leaving 12 residents displaced.

Fire broke out at the Colonial Square apartments on the 1600 block of 156th Avenue Northeast at 5:40 a.m. When firefighters arrived, flames from a second-floor apartment that were spreading to adjoining units.

Six fire engines and three ladder trucks, with Redmond and Kirkland fire departments assisting, responded to the fire. It took crews about 30 minutes to control the fire. 

The resident of the apartment from which the fire originated reported awaking to see his living room on fire. He stated that he attempted extinguish it but left when those attempts were unsuccessful. He was able to warn other residents on his way out.  

Bellevue paramedics treated that resident. He was then treated at Overlake Hospital for smoke inhalation. 

According to early estimates, the apartment building sustained an estimated $400,000 worth of damage. About 12 displaced residents were working with the apartment management and the American Red Cross to find temporary housing.   

Bellevue Fire investigators have completed their investigation and determined that the fire was accidental, caused by improperly disposed smoking materials.

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