Fire breaks out at apartment complex in southwest Springs

More than 50 firefighters were called to a blaze Wednesday night at the Cheyenne Vista Apartments in southwest Colorado Springs.

The fire was burning between the second and third floors in one 18-unit building in the complex on Crestone Lane, said Colorado Springs Fire Department Lt. Jeff Sievers. All residents got out safely and no injuries had been reported by 10 p.m. The fire began about 9 p.m.

“We had a hell of a time trying to find it,” Sievers said of the fire. Part of the difficulty was caused by offset floors in the wooden building. Firefighters had to cut into the building to attack the fire.

Residents sought refuge in vehicles in the parking lot, which was packed with fire trucks. Fire hoses snaked through the lot and areas surrounding the apartments.

“There was no banging on doors, it was just like ‘I think we need to get out,’” said resident Danny Crook. She said she didn’t hear fire alarms going off until after firefighters arrived.

The high winds were a big concern for firefighters, who evacuated two adjacent buildings in the complex as a precaution, Sievers said.

The 340 building was extensively damaged, and would not be habitable, he said.

“I pretty much can tell you that we are going to be out here all night,” Sievers said.

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