ESCANABA — A fire suspected to have been started by a toddler on Monday destroyed an apartment in Escanaba.

Escanaba Public Safety officers responded to the fire at the Sand Hill Town houses on Charlotte Court at about 5:43 p.m.

EPS said a toddler using a lighter ignited a couch in the living room of the apartment.

One firefighter sustained minor injuries, but none of the residents of the complex were injured. Witnesses said they observed flames and smoke coming out of one of the building’s windows.

By the time officers arrived, the entire living room was engulfed in flames.

Officers entered the apartment and extinguished the fire. The attached apartments on either side were saved.

The apartment where the fire originated was heavily damaged, with all contents destroyed.

Water and smoke damage were contained to one apartment.

Escanaba Public Safety was assisted at the scene by the Ford River Volunteer Fire Department, city of Escanaba Electric Department, city of Escanaba Water Department, Rampart, DTE and the Delta County Central Dispatch Center.

The fire remains under investigation.