A fast-moving blaze ripped through the roof of one building at the IMT Hyland Hills apartment complex on Saturday evening, leaving that structure uninhabitable and forcing residents to evacuate. Fire crews moved in quickly and pulled a second alarm as flames chewed through the building's south side and roof. Apartment management is working with the American Red Cross to secure temporary housing for displaced tenants, while residents of other buildings were cleared to return home. The Westminster Fire Marshal's Office has launched an investigation into what sparked the fire.
Crews Rush In, Second Alarm Sounds
According to the Westminster Fire Department, the first 911 call came in at 6:10 p.m., and firefighters arrived on scene within about three minutes. The fire was reported in building 4 of the IMT Hyland Hills complex at IMT Hyland Hills, 4901 W. 93rd Avenue. With flames already involving the south side and roof, the incident was quickly upgraded to a second alarm to bring in additional resources.
Uninhabitable Building, Residents Displaced
"Units are remaining on scene to put out hot spots and complete an overhaul," the Westminster Fire Department wrote on Facebook, describing the ongoing work even after the main body of fire was knocked down. The post notes that building 4 has been declared uninhabitable and that apartment management is coordinating with the American Red Cross to arrange temporary housing for those who lost their homes in the fire. Residents of other buildings in the complex were allowed to head back to their apartments. The Fire Marshal's Office has begun investigating the cause.
Recent Pattern of Apartment Fires
Apartment fires have disrupted life in Westminster before. Earlier this year, crews responded to two separate fires at another complex just hours apart, according to The Denver Gazette, summarizing 9News coverage. As investigators now work to determine what happened at IMT Hyland Hills, property managers and relief agencies are again stepping in to help tenants pick up the pieces.
