Fire investigators say a cigarette on the balcony of an apartment in the 2800 block of North Rock caused the apartment building to catch fire.

Wichita fire crews needed about 20 minutes to put out a blaze Wednesday evening. The first crews pulled up to the scene and described thick, black smoke pouring out of the roof of one building.

One apartment suffered fire damage and two others suffered water and smoke damage. Damage to the building is estimated at $200,000.

Chief Investigator Ed Bricknell says the occupant of the apartment where the fire started said he had just come home and saw smoke coming from his fireplace. He reportedly tried throwing water on it, but the flames were already too intense. Bricknell says the man then called 911 and got out.

The fire was mostly contained to that one apartment. Firefighters didn't think any of the fire spread to the attic and none of the neighboring apartments were in danger.