A mid-morning fire that ravaged an apartment on Wayne Pl., SE was intentionally set, according to fire investigators.

No one was hurt in the fire, which was reported about 10:40 this morning. First arriving firefighters encountered heavy smoke pouring from an apartment on the first floor.

"It was apparent going in that we had a major fire burning," said Battalion Fire Chief Philip Pestone, the incident commander. "A quick knock-down kept this from growing into a catastrophe." The fire was contained to the affected apartment, and there was no extension to other living areas.

Investigators were questioning a 47-year-old woman who has a history of mental illness in connection with the fire.

"We are calling the cause of this fire incendiary without criminal intent," said Fire Investigator Wesley Hamilton.

Damage has been assessed at $6,000.