After getting eviction notice, man sets fire to SC apartment complex, officials say

Jan. 1--A man set a South Carolina apartment complex ablaze after finding out he was being evicted, officials say.

Someone at the complex in North Charleston called 911 just before 1 a.m. on New Year's Day while telling others to get out of their apartments, according to WCIV.

First responders arrived to find heavy smoke and a fire coming from an apartment on the second floor, according to WCBD, and they quickly put it out.

Forrest West, a former resident at the complex, is accused of starting the fire, WCIV reported, and an affidavit says he had been given an eviction notice the day before.

Witnesses told police that as West was setting the fire he was shouting that he was going to burn the building down and that the owner would "get his insurance money," according to WCSC.

They also told police he set a dresser on fire outside of the building then set a pillow on fire and hurled it into an apartment, setting it and another unit ablaze, WCSC reported.

All of the residents were able to get out of the apartment building unharmed, but 16 people, including three children, have been left without a home, WCBD reported.

The American Red Cross said it will be helping them with housing, clothing and food.

West, 46, is charged with second-degree arson and is being held on a $15,000 bond, according to jail records.

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