While property damage was mild to moderate, the residents of the building, including eight children, could not immediately return because the main electrical line was destroyed, said District Fire Chief Frank D. Deliddo.
The fire started about 8:55 a.m. when the installer drilled through the main electrical feed line to the apartment building, the district chief said. Firefighters could not put the fire out until electric company workers disconnected the electrical service, he said.
The American Red Cross provided emergency assistance, including temporary housing, toiletries and stuffed animals, to six adults and three children.
