Cheryl J. Unverzagt, 49, of Butler was charged by city police Friday with risking catastrophe after emergency crews responded to a small fire at an East Pearl Street apartment complex.

The Butler Fire Department responded to an automatic fire alarm at 10:47 p.m. at the 16-unit complex and discovered smoke coming from Unverzagt’s third story home.

Emergency crews knocked on the door of the apartment for several minutes before entering with a master key. Once inside they found a disoriented Unverzagt and three small fires around the electric stove in the kitchen.

Unverzagt told police she was unaware of a fire in her home and asked them to shut off the fire alarm, which was in the hallway near the main door to her apartment.

Unverzagt admitted to drinking heavily that evening, police said. She was examined by paramedics who determined she was not suffering from any medical problems.

Unverzagt was arrested and taken to the police station’s holding cell to sober up. She was then taken to Butler County Prison to await arraignment.

Firefighters extinguished the small kitchen fire quickly, but police reported there was extensive damage to the stove.

The property is owned by Brent Thomas of Butler.