3rd Alarm Apartment Fire

Photo courtesy of Poudre Fire Authority

At 03:54 on May 21st, 2013 Poudre Fire Authority responded to the report of an apartment fire at 1245 E. Lincoln Ave. in Fort Collins at the Buffalo Run Apartments. Engine 6 arrived to heavy fire from the exterior of a three-story, wood-frame building. The fire spread quickly up the wall and into the attic, plus into individual units. With the help of Fort Collins Police Officers and other residents, all occupants were evacuated safely. In the meantime firefighters also launched aggressive interior search and suppression efforts in the units most threatened by fire. A defensive fire attack strategy had to be used within twelve minutes of arrival by the first engine due to the collapse and pending collapse of the roof and ceilings.  Firefighters were aided by a fire sprinkler system in the building, however these systems are not normally installed in attic spaces and the exterior, therefore the fire spread was quick. The building has 24 total units; heavy damage to six units; moderate damage to four units; and light, mostly water and smoke damage to two units.  The PFA Customer Assistance Response Team (CART) is working with the American Red Cross to provide displaced residents assistance with immediate food, clothing, housing and medication needs. PFA investigators have determined the origin is on the exterior of the building; cause is an ongoing investigation. No further information is available. Additional information provided by Poudre Fire Authority.

Assisting agencies: Fort Collins Police Department, Loveland Fire Rescue Authority, University of Colorado Health Paramedics (UCH) & Wellington Fire Protection District

Photo courtesy of Poudre Fire Authority

Photo courtesy of Poudre Fire Authority

Photo courtesy of Poudre Fire Authority