| By Bob Weaver
Fire spread rapidly early today through totally destroying four apartments at Imperial Gardens in Spencer.
Between smoke detectors and quick action by the Spencer-Roane Volunteer Fire Department, only one person received minor burns.
Firemen said the blaze was a tough fire to fight.
Firemen have returned to the scene for re-kindles.
The fire could have been a life-threatening situation for residents of the complex along State Rt. 14, Parkersburg Road.
Flames were leaping out of a two-story building when firemen arrived.
An explosion was reported shortly after the fire was reported, likely an oxygen tank, according to WVRC Radio.
Four additional apartments were damaged by smoke and water. At one time the roaring fire caused enough heat to crack windows in another building across the street and damage cars.
Eighteen firemen and four units from the Spencer-Roane VFD responded to the 6:25 a.m. fire, with mutual aid from Clover and Reedy VFDs.
Firemen had to stretch hoses across Rt. 14, causing traffic to be blocked for several hours.
The State Fire Marshall is investigating the incident.
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