Man Seriously Injured In Fire At Building Near State Capitol
DENVER (CBS4) - Firefighters in Denver rushed to battle a fire burning in an apartment building near the state Capitol on Tuesday morning where one man was seriously injured.
Black plumes of smoke could be seen rising from the El Tovar Apartments located at 1515 Grant Street. The first calls to the fire department went out about 10:30 a.m. Tuesday.
At least one man was rescued by firefighters from the third floor balcony of the burning building. The firefighter can be seen at the top of a ladder helping a man who is standing on a balcony or fire escape.
"When our crews arrived on scene he was in distress on the third floor balcony," said Denver Fire Department spokeswoman Melissa Taylor.
The man was rushed to the hospital in serious condition. He suffered minor burns and serious smoke inhalation. Denver Fire tweeted an update about the fire.
I do know that they had some other health issues that might have complicated the smoke inhalation," Taylor said.
There were no other injuries in the fire.
"We will likely have serious smoke and fire damage to the third floor and then smoke and water damage to the first and second," Taylor said.
It is unclear how many people were inside the building while it was burning. The Red Cross estimates eight people have been displaced because of the fire.
What caused the fire is being investigated but firefighters believe it was accidental.
Additional Information From The American Red Cross
A Red Cross Disaster Action Team responded to the fire at 1515 Grant Street in Denver and has provided support for basic needs such as temporary lodging, food and clothing for two residents whose homes were rendered unlivable by the fire and subsequent water damage. Most residents of the building were not on site, and the Red Cross anticipates that more people may need assistance. People who were affected by the fire are asked to call 1-800-REDCROSS (733-2767) to seek assistance. In addition to helping with basic needs, the Red Cross can provide emotional counseling and help replacing medications.
For more information about fire prevention or to donate to help the Red Cross assist local residents affected by disaster like this one, visit www.redcross.org/colorado.
