One person died and 12 were injured early this morning after a fire at an apartment complex in Aurora.
At 5:49 a.m. firefighters responded to a call about a fire in a ground level apartment at the Aspen Wood Apartments near 6th Avenue and Potomac Street, according to Capt. Allen Robnett, spokesman for the Aurora Fire Department.
When firefighters arrived at the three-story building, they found the apartment, as well as the main staircase, completely engulfed in flames.
Several residents were on their balconies looking for a way to escape the blaze.
Crews used ground ladders to rescue about 10 residents from their balconies, Robnett said.
Three Aurora police officers received minor injuries while helping residents off of their balconies.
Twelve people were taken to area hospitals, one in critical condition.
An adult female died at the scene after she fell from a second story balcony, Robnett said.
“We know she fell, but we don’t know why she fell,” Robnett said.
Her name was not released.
Firefighters are investigating the cause of the fire. They believe it started in the ground level apartment that was originally reported.
An on scene Red Cross representative said three of the 12 units in the building were destroyed and the rest were damaged by smoke and water.
Crews say the building is inhabitable because the building’s heat and water were turned off.
Four families have been placed in hotel rooms and the rest are staying with family and friends.
Residents may be allowed into the building later this afternoon to grab some belongings and determine the damage.
Jordan Steffen: 303-954-1794 or jsteffen@denverpost.com
