Lincoln Fire and Rescue say careless smoking ignited a fire that collapsed a garage and caused significant damage to a Lincoln home.

LFR crews reported to the fire at 11th and Y Streets just before 10 a.m. Saturday.

Fire officials said the garage, at 1108 Y Street, was completely engulfed in flames and the blaze was threatening the house next door. Officials said firefighters were able to contain the fire quickly so that it wouldn't spread.

LFR Battalion Chief Bruce Sellon said the home owner had been smoking on a deck area between the garage and house but failed to properly put out his cigarette.

The homeowner left the house about an hour before the fire started.

A neighbor called 911 when he saw the fire. Mike Grier said when he noticed the fire it was as small as a campfire.

"By the time we got back to our house, the whole side of the garage is engulfed in flames and so that's when I ran in side and called 911. From then on it kept getting bigger and bigger," said Grier.

Sellon said the wind played a role in making the fire spread faster.

"It's kind of like blowing on a candle or a campfire," said Battalion Chief Bruce Sellon. "It does pickup with the wind and we do have some significant wind at this time," Sellon added.

The homeowner said he is thankful his neighbors were quick to call 9-1-1.

"I'm very appreciative of that because if no none had called it in. I could have lost my entire house and neighbors, it could have caught neighbors houses. There could have been a lot more loss," said Brian Mihulka, the homeowner.

His neighbor said he just did what anyone else would do in his situation.

"I'm happy I could help. I mean he'd probably do the same for me if he saw my house engulfed you know?"

Sellon estimates the total damage to be more than $100,000, noting the home owner lost a motorcycle, car and forklift in the garage. A neighbor's garage received minor damage.

No one was injured. Sellon says the home should be livable in a few days.