EMPORIUM — The fire that severely damaged a seven-unit, two-story apartment building Tuesday night in Emporium has been ruled accidental, and started by improper disposal of smoking materials.

Emporium-based state police said the home at 448 E. Allegany Ave. was owned by Laura Ann Hoffman-Williamson, 55, of Olean, N.Y. Seven families, comprising 13 people, occupied the structure.

No one was injured in the blaze, which occurred at 10:19 p.m.

The state police fire marshal, along with Emporium Fire Department and borough police assisted with an investigation into the cause and origin of the blaze.

The fire originated on the second story, rear deck. Police said “improperly deposited smoking materials caused combustion to nearby combustible parts of the structure.”

A preliminary estimate of the damage is $185,000.

Also responding to the scene were fire departments from Port Allegany, Austin, St. Marys, Kersey and Coudersport.