SUMMERVILLE, S.C. (WCIV) -- Summerville police say a 9-year-old started a fire that has left 11 people without homes. Captain Jon Rogers with the Summerville Police department says the child will not be charged.
Rogers says in South Carolina you have to show intent to be charged with a crime. This was ruled an accident.
Firefighters responded to a four unit apartment fire Sunday night, just down the street from Summerville High School.
According to Summerville Fire and Rescue Battalion Chief Ronny Bryant, crews responded to the blaze at the Boone West Apartments around 7:30 p.m.
Bryant says the fire started in a flower bed near the apartment, and then spread to some pampas grass along the building, which then quickly spread to the attic of the building.
The fire caused major damage to the apartment's attic, but firefighters were able to contain the flames within 30 minutes.
First responders did treat and release one woman at the scene for smoke inhalation.
In all, the Red Cross says the fire left 4 families including 7 adults and 4 children without a home.
Since the start of the year, The American Red Cross as helped 499 Lowcountry residents.
