MESA COUNTY, Colo - At approximately 8:00 Monday evening, fire crews with the Clifton Fire Protection District responded to a structure fire at 3272 F Road.
When the first engine arrived, fire crews found the older four-unit apartment building fully involved. The Grand Junction Fire Department and Palisade Fire Department also responded.
A witness said the fire spread very rapidly, describing they saw smoke, and then the whole building was on fire almost immediately.
Three people evacuated safely. An adult female and a cat died in the fire. The Mesa County Coroner’s Office is responsible for releasing the identity of the deceased once next-of-kin is notified as well as determining the cause and manner of death.
Crews worked into the night and were able to keep the fire from spreading to neighboring buildings. All four units in the apartment complex were heavily damaged.
The American Red Cross is assisting those impacted by this fire with their recovery needs.
The Mesa County Sheriff’s Office is assisting with the investigation into the origin and cause of the fire. So far, fire investigators have determined the cause of the fire to be accidental in nature. No smoke detectors were found inside the apartment complex.
The case is still under investigation.
