Firefighters rescue multiple victims from apartment fire

BRIGHTON--At approximately 9:34 pm on Wednesday evening, firefighters were called to a reported apartment fire on the 700 Block of E Bridge Street. The first crews arrived at 9:38 and saw heavy smoke coming from second floor windows.

Due to the nature of the fire, and multiple residents, crews immediately called for more resources. Greater Brighton Fire had four engines and one truck with 14 firefighters 1 Battalion Chief on scene. Firefighters from Fort Lupton fire, Thornton Fire, North Metro Fire, South Adams County Fire, Platte Valley Ambulance and Weld County Ambulance Service were on scene and staging throughout Brighton Fire’s District. All outside agencies were available to help with both fire suppression as well as help GBFPD personnel handle any other emergencies in the District. A staff recall was also issued to staff stations to cover Brighton Fire’s District while crews were at the fire.

Upon arrival to the apartment complex, GBFPD crews found that the occupants were in the process of evacuating the building. Crews quickly began fire suppression operations, with their first priority being victim rescue. The fire was reported out at 9:56, just 18 minutes after the first crew arrived on scene. Several residents of the building were attempting to jump from the roof, and were removed by firefighters and ladders. One victim was rescued from the inside of the complex after being located by firefighters during a search. Another victim jumped from a 3rd story window.

There were four reports of citizen injuries. Two of the victims refused treatment by medical personnel and two were transported to nearby hospitals. One of the transported victims is reported in critical condition and the other is reported in serious condition.

Brighton Police officers assisted fire crews in accounting for all residents of the apartment complex. A reported 16 people live in the 9 unit building, and all were accounted for. There were no firefighter injuries.

Red Cross was called to the scene to assist victims and put up four of them. The others were assisted by family and friends.

The cause of the fire is not known at this time and is under investigation. According to City Building Officials, the building is not habitable at this time.

Anyone who would like to donate or assist the victims of this fire can contact the United Way at 211.

Occupants of the apartments can contact the Greater Brighton Fire District today at 4 pm to make arrangements to pick up their belongings from their homes.