Officials investigate fire at Columbia assisted living home

(AP) – More than 80 residents were forced from an assisted living complex in Columbia after a morning fire.

The fire was reported around 1:30 a.m. Wednesday at the Forest Pines Retirement Residence at 1720 Devonshire Drive.

Three people were taken to a hospital after the fire. There was no immediate word on their condition. Several other residents were taken to the hospital later as a precaution.

Other residents were taken to a city park building while the firefighters investigated the blaze. Officials think the fire started on the third floor, but the cause has not been determined.

Fire Chief Aubrey Jenkins says the fire caused about $1 million in damage.