Arson is suspected in a fire that broke out Wednesday in a high-rise apartment house occupied by senior citizens.
The fire at 1599 Williams St. broke out in a sixth-floor hallway where there were no space heaters or other items that could have started the blaze, said Denver Fire Department spokesman Phil Champagne. “There were no credible ignition sources.
Nine people who lived on the sixth floor had to vacate the building after the fire was contained.
Residents from other floors continue to live there.
At least five people suffered smoke inhalation in the blaze, which began at about 4:30 p.m., said Champagne.
The fire was quickly extinguished, but at least one person was hospitalized.
Emergency workers found a chaotic scene with numerous people gathered on balconies that line the exterior walls of the William Tell Apartments for Senior Living. Firefighters used a ladder or cherrypicker bucket to remove two people from separate balconies.
Others were taken from hallways on the sixth and seventh floors and brought downstairs.
Firefighters told most residents on floors that weren’t affected to stay in their apartments, Champagne said.
The American Red Cross said nine residents and three pets were displaced by the fire.
Tom McGhee: 303-954-1671 or tmcghee@denverpost.com
