ARVADA, Colo. — Arvada officers who were first to arrive at a fire at an apartment complex early Wednesday morning went door-to-door inside the burning building to warn residents of the danger.
One person, who was trapped in a first-floor unit, died in the fire at the Village West Apartments near West 58th Avenue and Urban Street which was reported around 12:15 a.m. Two residents, an Arvada police officer and a sergeant were also taken to the hospital.
The officers were treated for smoke inhalation and released from the hospital several hours later, a spokesperson for Arvada Police said. Both of them were among several officers who got into the building and then ran through smoke-filled hallways to wake up residents.
The two residents are being treated at an area hospital. No update on their condition has been released.
When firefighters arrived on the scene they saw heavy fire, lots of smoke and the need for people to be rescued, according to Arvada Fire Public Information Officer Dianna Harrington.
The police department released body camera footage from Officer Duffey who was the first person at the scene. It shows that they were initially unable to get into the building through the exterior doors which were locked. They eventually made entry through an unlocked patio door and began working to evacuate the three-story building.
One unit was destroyed and two others sustained heavy damage in the fire. The Red Cross is assisting those who were displaced due to the fire, Arvada Fire tweeted.
An RTD bus was brought in to help keep those who were displaced warm as crews process the scene. Many of them ran from the building without shoes or other warm clothing.
The cause and origin of the fire are still under investigation.
SUGGESTED VIDEOS: Latest from 9NEWS
9NEWS+
9NEWS+ has multiple live daily shows including 9NEWS Mornings, Next with Kyle Clark and 9NEWS+ Daily, an original streaming program. 9NEWS+ is where you can watch live breaking news, weather updates, and press conferences. You can also replay recent newscasts and find videos on demand of our top stories, local politics, investigations and Colorado specific features.
To download 9NEWS+ on Roku search for KUSA.
To download 9NEWS+ on Fire TV search for 9NEWS.