Flames spread through the attic of one unit to six others, Hoover said. No one was injured.
He estimated the damage to the building at $200,000 and $100,000 for the contents.
Hoover said the cause of the fire remains under investigation, although a man who admitted he had been living in one of the units left that unit and left the heater on after he began to experience headaches.
The man, who was not detained or identified by name, refused medical treatment at the scene, Hoover said. The man may have relocated to the VA Medical Center, Hoover said.
The customer, who asked News Center 7 not to identifiy him by name, told fire officials that a man had been living in one of the storage units and said there was no power in the building.
"Someone had been living in the storage unit for two-and-a-half years and I have been here for four years," the customer said. "I have seen the man with a kerosene heater. It doesn’t look safe but it has been cold."
Another customer warned fire crews that there were firearms and ammunition in their storage unit, Hoover said.
About the Author