Cigarette Ashes Spark Cary House Fire

Cigarette ashes that fell between cushions in a chair started a house fire early Wednesday, officials said.

The fire starred at about 1:30 a.m. at a house on Willowbrook Drive near Southeast Maynard Road.

Firefighters contained the flames to one room, and the homeowner got out safely. He spent the night at a hotel.

Officials estimate the fire caused between $10,000 and $15,000 in damage.