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Building Not Stable Enough For Adams County Condo Fire Investigators

ADAMS COUNTY, Colo. (CBS4) - Residents of a giant condo complex in Adams County are trying to piece their lives together after a fire tore through their homes on Tuesday.

Investigators on Wednesday were back at the Corona Village condominiums east of Interstate 25 near 88th and Corona. They are in the early stages of trying to determine the cause of the fire, but the building where they believe the fire started isn't stable enough for crews to enter.

Fire
(credit: CBS)

Neighbors told CBS4 they believe a propane tank from a neighbor's grill may have sparked the fire, but there's no official determination on a cause so far.

The Southwest Adams County Fire Department is addressing any other unsafe areas.

Condo Fire Map
(credit: CBS)

The fire destroyed at least 12 condos and forced hundreds out of their homes. The three-story building suffered significant damage and two other buildings suffered some damage.

Crews have been working the scene all Wednesday morning putting out hot spots. At one point they were sawing through the exterior to try to get to any burning areas that could have been in the walls.

Authorities said there were no serious injuries, although four people were transported to the hospital for smoke inhalation.

Some pets died in the fire.

"Oh my God, it's horrible. It's hard when you lose … a life," resident Kathryn Bryan said. "It's a dog, but … because they didn't have anybody."

Sally Maestas managed to get out with her dog Annie.

"The fire was just so horrendous, just like a monster, it was just awful," Maestas said. "I thought it was going to get us."

The American Red Cross set up an evacuation center at Thornton High School for some of those evacuated. Tenants in 24 units remained evacuated on Wednesday.

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