Photos/Story by Steven D. Smith

At approximately 7:45am on Saturday, May 18, 2002, Colorado Springs Bravest responded to the report of a structure fire located at 1205 South Chelton, the Fountain Villa Apartments.

Upon arrival first due companies found heavy fire venting from the second story window of the three story complex. A second alarm was immediately transmitted. Fire extended to third floor units and the attic space.

Two occupants had to be rescued from a second story window on the rear side of the building as smoke and fire prevented their escape through the hallway.

During the heat of the battle, fire officials discovered that the building was built in the 70s and confirmed that asbestos had been used in the construction. Due to this, all interior companies had to be decontaminated by the CSFD HazMat Team.

It took approximately 55 firefighters, 90 minutes to bring the blaze under control which caused approximately $500,000 in damages and left a total of 6 units inhabitable. Three firefighters sustained minor injuries. No civilian injuries were reported.

Fire investigators determined that the blaze was started by a 5 year old playing with cigarette lighter and ignited some play money on top of their bed.