A temporary shelter has been set up at the Columbia County Fairgrounds after a fire broke out yesterday at the Broadleaf Arbor Apartment complex.

Columbia River Fire & Rescue says they quickly responded to the fire and got the flames under control. The building’s fire sprinkler system reportedly played a pivotal role in containing the fire to just a single room. One person was injured and transported to the hospital for treatment.

Columbia County says 24 units were affected, and several families have been temporarily displaced due to interruptions to power and water service, as well as water damage from the sprinkler activation and firefighting operations.

Columbia County Emergency Management and Columbia County Public Health are working with the City of St. Helens, the Red Cross and other partners to coordinate resources and help ensure impacted residents have a safe place to stay and access to needed services.

Columbia County Emergency Management Coordinator Jessica Kosydar said, “Property management is working with city officials to determine when it is safe to return to the building.”

The cause and circumstances of the fire remain under investigation.