Early morning fire causes $3,000 damage outside Eldridge Street residence

A Lawrence Douglas County Fire Medical spokeswoman said the improper discarding of smoking material caused a fire early Wednesday to the exterior of a residence in the 500 block of Eldrige Street.

Division Chief Eve Tolefree said the fire was classified as accidental. The fire was reported about 2 a.m., and it caused an estimated $3,000 damage. No one was displaced.