Fire rips through Fort Collins apartment complex

A three-alarm fire that ripped through a Fort Collins apartment building early Wednesday caused minor injuries and displaced 24 people.

Poudre Fire Authority crews saw large flames and dark smoke coming from the roof of Brookview Apartments, 1710 Welch St., when they were called to the scene at 5:15 a.m. Firefighters called a second and third alarm for additional resources to fight the blaze in the two-story apartment building closest to Edora Park.

Crews immediately began evacuating the building — 12 units were initially cleared, six of which sustained severe water, smoke and fire damage. Twenty minutes into the firefight, a large part of the building's roof collapsed, according to PFA.

Agencies including the American Red Cross are providing shelter, food and clothing for 13 people displaced in the long term and 11 displaced for a shorter period, PFA said in a release.

Resident Kevin Couch said he woke up Wednesday to the sound of sirens and saw the flashing lights.

"A few minutes later, I heard somebody say, 'get everybody out of here!'" he said.

One adult suffered minor injury in the fire, while two firefighters suffered minor injuries. A dog was also rescued from the blaze.

Investigators are working to determine the origin and cause of the fire, PFA said. PFA estimates the fire caused more than $150,000 in damage.

All told, 39 PFA personnel responded to the blaze, along with seven fire engines, two ladder trucks, two ambulances, two command

Wednesday's blaze wasn't the first time crews responded to the apartment complex. An explosion stemming from hash oil production rocked a building in October 2013.

Before that, a fire broke out in July 2012. Fires also displaced residents at Brookview Apartments in September and December 2009, according to Coloradoan archives.



Reporter Jason Pohl covers breaking news for the Coloradoan. Follow him on Twitter: @pohl_jason.