12 families driven from homes in early morning apartment fire

An overnight fire at Briarsgate Apartments has displaced 30 residents, the American Red Cross said Tuesday.

The early morning blaze at 516 Melo Drive was called in to the Columbia Fire Department around 2:15 a.m.

When firefighters arrived, they rescued one person from a second floor unit, the fire department said in a tweet this morning. In all, 12 apartments were affected by the fire.

The American Red Cross said 12 families were provided “comfort kits” and financial assistance to secure temporary housing, food and clothing.

The cause of the blaze is under investigation by the Richland County Fire Marshal’s office