Fire That Forced Hundreds To Flee Aurora Complex Ruled Arson
AURORA, Colo. (CBS4) - Arson investigators were back out at an Aurora apartment complex Sunday trying to get to the bottom of what or who started a fire that forced hundreds of people to flee.
Some people had to be rescued from The Fairways at Lowry complex near Havana and 1st Avenue when the fire broke out early Saturday morning. Many of those people had to turn to the Red Cross for shelter Saturday night.
Rosalina Cibrian was panicked as smoke filled the hallways of her building.
"I'm just thinking I have to go out because I'm feeling so bad. My baby is feeling the same," Cibrian said.
She escaped to find her neighbors jumping out of a second story window. That's when Cibrian sprung into action, catching a 2-year-old boy.
"I just put my arms out to catch the baby. We were so scared, we were shaking," Cibrian said.
Investigators say a fire accelerant was used to torch the first floor hallway of the building. When CBS4 arrived on the scene Aurora fire was interviewing a man and searched the back of his car -- checking bottles for the smell of fuel. They took pictures of a small package. Aurora fire confirmed he's a person of interest, but not the only one. Residents were told there is a $5,000 reward for information leading to an arrest.
"We do have several people we are interviewing, although we have not made an arrest in the case yet," Cpt. Allen Robnett with Aurora fire said.
Most everyone was asleep when the fire started. Fire investigators say air quality checks need be completed in three buildings. Until then no one is allowed back in.
Only four people were taken to area hospitals for smoke inhalation.
The fire is not more complicated because of asbestos contamination. Many residents are upset because their valuables might be contaminated and they won't be able to get them back at all.
