BUFFALO — Fire officials say a carelessly discarded cigarette ignited a blaze that destroyed a building at a Buffalo marina and damaged several boats.

Fire Marshal Joseph Tomizzi says Monday night’s fire started when a worker at the South End Marina on Lake Erie tossed his cigarette near a container of flammable liquids in the repair area.

The building burst into flames that threatened to engulf nearby boats as employees scrambled to move more than a dozen vessels. Six boats were damaged.

Officials say one employee who was inside when the fire broke out escaped unharmed.

No injuries were reported. Officials say the fire did about $250,000 in damage.