3rd Alarm Apartment Fire

Photo courtesy of Poudre Fire Authority

On July 7th, 2013 around 21:50 Poudre Fire Authority to apartment fire at 820 Merganser Dr. Engine 1 arrived they faced a large amount of fire on the exterior and in the attic of the two story, wood-frame apartment building. The fire spread quickly up an exterior 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 due to the collapse and pending collapse of the roof and ceilings. Firefighters worked hard to bring the fire under control within one hour. One firefighter suffered non-life-threatening injuries after a ceiling and partial roof collapse. The injured firefighter was transported to Poudre Valley Hospital/UCH, treated and released.  The building has eight units that suffered damage. Heavy damage to the second floor and roof of two units; light, mostly water and smoke damage to two units; no damage to remaining four units. The PFA Customer Assistance Response Team (CART) with American Red Cross provided assistance with the displaced residents with immediate food, clothing, housing, medication and pet needs. Additional information provided by Poudre Fire Authority.

Fort Collins Police Department, Loveland Fire Rescue Authority & Wellington Fire Protection District

Photo courtesy of Poudre Fire Authority

Photo courtesy of Poudre Fire Authority

Photo courtesy of Poudre Fire Authority

Photo courtesy of Poudre Fire Authority