An accidental fire that started in a downstairs unit at Forest Hills Apartments on Wednesday afternoon extended to the top floor unit and blazed through the roof of the building.

Garner Fire Captain Matt Poole said the two units were totally destroyed, leaving four people displaced.

Preliminary reports from the fire marshal's office indicate the fire was due to improperly discarded smoking materials.

Poole said two residents were at home when the fire started and were alerted by smoke detectors.

Garner Volunteer Fire-Rescue, Garner EMS and Garner Police responded to the fire and all residents of the building were evacuated.

"The Garner police did an excellent job of helping to evacuate the building," said Poole.

Two residents suffered from minor smoke inhalation, he stated.