VALDOSTA — A firefighter suffered minor injuries while battling an apartment fire Tuesday.

Valdosta Fire Department responded about 11:46 p.m. to a report of an apartment fire at 2313 N. Barack Obama Blvd.

The first fire unit arrived on scene within three minutes to find smoke and flames coming from the second story of the building, according to a statement from the fire department Wednesday afternoon. Firefighters quickly controlled the fire and conducted a thorough search, confirming no one was inside. 

Seven occupants were displaced from two apartments due to the fire and are receiving assistance from the American Red Cross, the fire department said. 

The VFD said the cause of the fire was improperly discarded smoking material. 

One firefighter sustained minor injuries, received treatment by SGMC Health EMS on-scene, and was released, the VFD said. 

The Valdosta Police Department also assisted with on-scene operations.