An Independence Day party clean-up turned into a catastrophe for one Austin family.

Fire destroyed a garage at 804 12th Ave. SE Sunday afternoon, but the Austin Fire Department was able to get the blaze under control within 20 minutes before it spread to nearby homes.

Austin Fire Chief Jim McCoy said the fire was sparked by a fire ring used on the Fourth of July that was put away in the garage but was still smoldering. The detached garage was a total loss, but the home and neighboring 806 12th Ave. SE sustained only minor damage and had some smoke inside.

Firefighters responded to the scene about 1:40 p.m. and the fire was put out by 2 p.m. Gold Cross paramedics were called to the scene to treat a neighbor, but she hadn’t been taken to the hospital by the time the fire was put out.

Two adults and two children live at 804 12th Ave. SE, according to a neighbor.