LAFAYETTE, LA. (
KLFY) — A commercial fire occurred earlier this morning in the 100 block of Chappuis Drive, firefighters said.
According to firefighters, the call reported a large fire at the apartment complex, Arbours at Acadian, which is under construction. When emergency crews arrived, flames were traveling up the second floor. Firefighters were able to bring the fire under control within twenty minutes.
The 10 out of the 24 units in the apartment building sustained fire or smoke damaged, fire officials reported. The fire originated on the first floor and spread to the third floor causing substantial structural damage.
During the investigation, it was discovered the units were awaiting inspections before installing the sheetrock and fire officials determined a contract employee was soldering copper HVAC lines prior to leaving that afternoon. The process uses a heating torch which ignited combustible material. The fire spread within an enclosed wall cavity until breaching the wood covering.
The cause of the fire was ruled an accident.
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