A propane heater reportedly led to a fire Tuesday night that damaged garages to an Albert Lea apartment complex.

Albert Lea firefighters and police officers were dispatched at 8 p.m. for the fire at 902 S. Fourth Ave., according to a press release.

When they arrived, they found an apartment complex garage system on fire with smoke coming from six garage units.

Firefighters began to extinguish the blaze and quickly gained control of the fire, the release stated. Crews remained on scene for approximately two hours to put out hot spots and investigate the cause of the fire.

Firefighters determined the fire started when items ignited around a propane heater that was being used in the rear of the garage.

The fire spread to two additional adjacent garages and three others were damaged by smoke.

Damage is estimated at $15,000.

The Fire Department reminded residents to use caution when working around or using supplemental heating units.

“Remember that these devices need space and to not leave them running when you are not around,” the release stated.