One person is dead after a “suspicious” at the building housing the popular Rosenberg’s Bagels and Delicatessen in Denver that caused extensive damage, officials say.
Firefighters were dispatched to the scene in the area of 27th and Welton streets about 2:30 a.m. Monday after several people called 911.
“Original crews reported heavy smoke showing but no visible flames,” said Melissa Taylor, a spokeswoman for the Denver Fire Department.
Taylor said the person killed in the blaze was found in what appeared to be a closet in an apartment on the building’s second, and top, floor.
Authorities say the person was an adult, but further information on identity — including gender — was not released. No one else was in the building when the fire began, officials said.
Investigators are still working to confirm how the fire began. Taylor said police and the fire department’s investigators are working together on the case.
Authorities have deemed the fire’s cause “suspicious,” but declined to elaborate.
Rosenberg’s operates out of the building’s first floor below the apartment.
“We don’t know if it started on the first floor or the second floor,” Taylor said.
Taylor said there was extensive damage throughout the building. About 40 firefighters responded to the blaze.
The real estate management group that handles the apartment’s leasing declined to comment.
It was not clear early Monday when Rosenberg’s would reopen. The bagel shop’s owner, Josh Pollack, could not immediately be reached for comment.
opened in the Five Points neighborhood in July 2014 peddling New York-style bagels . The popular breakfast and lunch spot has become a Denver favorite for the bagel-seeking public, often boasting long lines.
The shop is typically closed on Mondays.
Jesse Paul: 303-954-1733, jpaul@denverpost.com or @JesseAPaul
