Fire Damages 3 Lexington Homes

A house fire in Lexington's Richmond Farms neighborhood Wednesday afternoon destroyed one home and damaged two others, according to a press release from the Lexington County Department of Public Safety. 

The residents of 132 Mews Court were home when the fire started around 3:30 p.m., but escaped with no injuries.

Firefighters had the fire under control by 4 p.m. 

The fire started after a cigarette was improperly disposed of on the second-floor balcony of the home, firefighters say.

The estimated damage to the home is $280,000.

Two neighboring homes suffered heat damage. The estimated cost of that damage is $5,000 and $8,000 respectively.

The Lexington County Fire Service reminds smokers to completely put out cigarettes when finished smoking. Cigarette butts should never be tossed in trash cans, flower pots or other unapproved containers. Smokers should make sure cigarettes and ashes are out by soaking them in water before throwing them away.