Building Evacuation Follows Deadly Warehouse Fire In Oakland
DENVER (CBS4) - Denver's fire department has cleared out a building popular with artists and musicians in the city's RiNo district after receiving reports that conditions there may be unsafe.
The space is known as Rhinoceropolis, and it's located at 36th and Brighton Boulevard. Fire officials say they performed an inspection and found up to five people living there, as well as fire code violations that were deemed "serious."
That prompted fire officials to issue an immediate order stating no one can sleep in the building. A notice was placed on the front door.
The action could be taking place in part to prevent a situation like the recent tragedy in Oakland, California. Last week, 36 people were killed in a fire that consumed the warehouse known as the Ghost Ship. The structure had been the subject of safety complaints -- including for illegal construction -- and several artists were living there.
In the fire's aftermath, there are reports of officials placing added scrutiny on similar spaces in cities around the country.
Rhinoceroplis hosts music events and has shows planned for this weekend. On its Facebook page, the group says it plans to hold a benefit show for Oakland fire vicitims later this month.
Someone who answered the door when a CBS4 crew knocked said they would not comment on the inspection.
Denver fire officials plan to meet with the building's owner on Friday.
