Updated at 10:15 a.m. Wednesday, May 5:
Ten occupants of an apartment building at Fifth and Colorado streets were displaced after an overnight fire, according to a news release from Lawrence-Douglas County Fire Medical.
One occupant was evaluated for minor injuries; one firefighter was transported to the hospital for evaluation and has since been released, according to the news release.
The fire originated on the exterior of the building, and occupants were notified by bystanders in the area: “Lives were saved by good citizenship and working smoke alarms,” according to the release.
Flames were showing from the exterior and roof of the building when crews arrived on scene, and firefighters performed an aggressive offensive fire attack to confine the damage and prevent additional spread.
The ten people who were displaced occupied four apartment units, according to the release.
The fire was still under investigation Wednesday morning, and a damage estimate was not yet available.
LDCFM emphasized the need for working smoke alarms.
“If anyone has questions about their smoke alarms or an emergency exit plan, please contact our department – we’ll help you become more prepared,” the release said.
LDCFM can be reached on its administrative line at 785-830-7000.
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