July 21, 2021 3:50 a.m.

Personnel with the Roseburg Fire Department responded to a water flow alarm and found significant water damage to the Rose Apartments on Southeast Stephens early Tuesday.

Fire Marshal Brian Jewell said just after 1:30 a.m. firefighters arrived on the scene to find the sprinkler system activated with water flowing from the fourth floor of the structure. Jewell said that water was found to be flowing throughout the stairwell and out the front door of the building.

Jewell said upon entry into the building, crews discovered a fire in the garbage disposal closet on the fourth floor. The release said the building had an automatic fire system in place. Firefighters gained access to the basement and located the sprinkler riser room. The system was turned off, recharged and reset. Jewell said the sprinkler system had activated when exposed to the fire, effectively extinguishing it and preventing the fire from spreading.

A fire investigator determined that the fire was caused by discarded smoking material. Fire damage was contained to a garbage can. Jewell said the structure suffered water damage throughout the building with water getting into several apartments and common spaces.