CSFD releases cause of Colorado Springs apartment fire

(COLORADO SPRINGS) — The Colorado Springs Fire Department (CSFD) said investigators have determined the cause of a fire that happened in late September at The Vue at Spring Creek Apartments.

According to CSFD, on Friday, Oct. 4, investigators said that the fire was determined to be accidental due to smoking materials.

The apartment fire happened on Thursday, Sept. 26 at 9 a.m. when a caller reported that there was fire coming from a balcony of one of the apartments. A second-alarm was called almost immediately when crews arrived, and a third-alarm was called a short time later allowing more resources to assist in putting the fire out.

The fire, which spread to the attic space, was quickly knocked down by crews and was under control by 10:20 a.m. that morning. “There were no injuries reported to firefighters or civilians,” wrote CSFD. “One cat died as a result of this fire and several dogs were saved.”

It was unknown at the time how many people were displaced due to the fire, but according to CSFD’s Public Information Officer Ashley Franco, one building, with at least 20 units was affected.

“Unattended or improperly discarded smoking materials are in the Top 5 leading causes of fires in Colorado Springs and is the leading cause of home fire deaths in the country,” CSFD said. “It is imperative that smokers use a sturdy ashtray on a hard surface and ensure all smoking materials are properly put out.”

CSFD has these warnings for smoking materials:

• Smoking materials should never be discarded in vegetation such as mulch, dried grass, potted plants, or leaves.
• Never smoke inside.
• All smoking materials should be kept out of reach of children and locked in a cabinet.
• Never smoke or allow anyone to smoke while using or around medical oxygen.
  • Medical oxygen can cause materials to ignite more easily and make fires burn at a faster-than-normal rate.

Families impacted by the fire were assisted by the Red Cross.

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