Space Heater Sparks Apartment Fire, Displacing 17 Residents in Denver
A fire believed to have been sparked by an unattended space heater forced 17 residents out of their homes early Tuesday morning in Denver’s Hampden South neighborhood. Firefighters responded just before 4 a.m. to the apartment complex near Yosemite Street and Oxford Avenue, close to Cherry Creek Reservoir.
The Denver Fire Department classified the incident as a second-alarm fire, requiring multiple units to respond. Crews worked quickly to contain the flames, as high winds threatened to spread the fire to neighboring units. By 4:30 a.m., firefighters had gained control of the blaze, preventing further damage to surrounding structures.
Fortunately, no injuries were reported, but the fire caused extensive damage to several apartments, leaving residents with significant losses. Many personal belongings were destroyed, and the affected families are currently receiving assistance from the Red Cross.
Officials believe the fire originated from an unmonitored space heater, emphasizing the dangers of leaving heating devices unattended. Firefighters urge residents to follow safety precautions when using space heaters, including keeping them away from flammable materials and turning them off when not in use. An investigation into the fire remains ongoing.
