Springs fire destroys 8 apartment units; residents displaced
Colorado Springs Fire Department officials have not determined the cause of a three-alarm fire at the Berkshire Apartments on Innsbrook Place near the intersection of Vickers Drive and Academy Boulevard.
Lt. James Eddy, public information officer for the fire department, said it would probably be a day or two before investigators figured out the cause or monetary damage.
The fire began shortly before noon Thursday in a second-story apartment of the three-story complex. Winds helped spread it.
No one was seriously injured, but firefighters did rescue one man who became disoriented from the smoke. He was treated for smoke inhalation.
The Pikes Peak American Red Cross dispatched disaster teams to the site about 12:30 p.m. Thursday. A second team was scheduled to relieve them in the evening.
Jennifer Mariano, director of community relations and support for the Pikes Peak American Red Cross, said the fire destroyed eight units, leaving about 15 people in need of food, clothing and shelter. Eleven other units were damaged, but are OK for occupancy, she said.
Red Cross officials will provide displaced residents with food and cash cards, which can be used to purchase clothing. The Red Cross also will try to find shelter for the displaced.
“It’s a hand up, not a hand out,” Mariano said. “With eight units completely lost, we’re looking at a significant amount of money.”
To contact the Pikes Peak Red Cross, call 719-632-3563 or go to pparc.org.
Colorado Springs firefighters work to control a fire Thursday, March 11, 2010 at the Berkshire Apartments. Photo by Mark Reis, The Gazette Photo by MARK REIS, THE GAZETTE
Colorado Springs Firefighter John Gleason pours water in the attic of an unit at the Berkshire Apartments Thursday, March 11, 2010. Mark Reis, The Gazette Photo by MARK REIS, THE GAZETTE
Colorado Springs firefighters place a ladder on a unit at the Berkshire Apartments Thursday, March 11, 2010 as they work to control a fire there. Photo by Mark Reis, The Gazette Photo by MARK REIS, THE GAZETTE