MONTICELLO — A Tuesday night fire that destroyed afive-apartment complex and slightly injured a firefighter is underinvestigation, Monticello Fire Department officials said.

Firefighters responded at 9:34 p.m. to Windmill Apartments atthe intersection of Highway 84 and Highway 27 Bypass where a firewas already blazing, said Fire Chief Wayne Harrison.

Firefighters fought to save the complex during a long, hotnight, he said. They did not return to the station until 4:30 a.m.Wednesday.

All three town fire trucks and 13 firefighters responded.Topeka-Tilton Volunteer Fire Department was put on standby, hesaid.

The complex, owned by Donald Vince, was a total loss.

One firefighter was struck by falling broken glass and was cuton the forehead.

“He was treated and released (from Lawrence County Hospital)with four stitches to the forehead,” Harrison said.

The fire apparently started in the rear bedroom of a backapartment, he said.

The fire is under investigation, Harrison said, and the statefire marshal was expected to be in town Wednesday morning toexamine the scene.

An in-depth investigation will probably have to wait until afterIsidore passes, the chief said. He plans to begin “digging it out”Monday.