Asbestos Keeps Residents From Fire-Damaged Units

ARAPAHOE COUNTY, Colo. (CBS4)- First it was a fire that erupted at the Country Club Villas condominium complex near East Florida Avenue and South Parker Road that forced residents from their homes and now it asbestos concerns.

Seventeen people were hurt in the fire that displaced 40 residents late Wednesday night.

Some chose to jump one or two stories down to the ground because heavy smoke prevented them from escaping through hallways.

The fire began in a unit on the complex's first floor and was caused by a carelessly discarded cigarette and ruled accidental.

More than 150 people were evacuated from four buildings on the complex.

The wing where the fire broke out, including 54 units, has been posted as uninhabitable/condemned by the Arapahoe County Building Department because of the asbestos found in the building.

Some residents will be allowed to go inside to retrieve some of their belongings but only after they sign a no-liability waiver.

The manage of the complex was scheduled to meet with residents on Saturday afternoon.