An early-morning apartment fire sent 50 to 60 people fleeing in Aurora on Wednesday.
The two-alarm blaze broke out in a ground-floor apartment just before 4 a.m. at the Windsor Court Apartments, 10998 East 16th Ave.
Residents said that firefighters had some issues trying to get into the gated community, but the fire department said that was not true.
"Crews were able to gain access through a 'siren' activated opening mechanism," said Capt. Michael Ackman. "No significant delays were encountered in this operation."
About 10 residents who appeared at upper floor windows had to be rescued by fire crews utilizing aerial and ground ladders.
"I opened my door and the hallways was full of smoke, so I couldn't get out that way," said apartment resident Jeffrey Jones. He escaped when firefighters moved a ladder to his window, which he had kicked out.
The fire was knocked out about 10 minutes after firefighters arrived.
The blaze gutted the apartment where it started and at least 20 apartments suffered smoke damage. Total damage was estimated at $35,000.
The cause of the fire is under investigation.
Meanwhile, apartment managers in Lakewood are getting some hands-on experience in fire prevention.
The West Metro Fire District put on a training seminar for managers on Wednesday. They learned how to properly use a fire extinguisher as well as conduct fire drills and evacuations. Officials say apartment buildings can present the greatest challenge for firefighters.
"Apartment fires are the worse possible fires to have. The potential for loss of life is so great. You can't control what your neighbors are doing, you may be the safest person in the world but you don't know what your neighbor is doing," said Cindy Matthews, with West Metro Fire.
Last year, the West Metro Fire District, Lakewood and a good part of Jefferson County had twice the number of apartment fires than the national average.
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