For Release: April 28, 2006
Resident Jumps from 3rd Story Apartment Window
WESTMINSTER, CO--- Westminster Fire and Police were dispatched to a possible structure fire in the 3100 block of Craft Way at approximately 6 p.m. April 27.
When firefighters arrived on scene they immediately began medical treatment on a victim who jumped out of a window from a 3rd story apartment. The victim was transported to a local area hospital.
There were two occupants in the apartment at the time of the fire. The other occupant of the apartment was able to escape by walking out the front door. He was making candles in the bedroom using a butane torch to heat up the wax. He was unable to turn off the torch and ended up catching paper and clothing on fire near the bedroom floor.
A neighbor grabbed a fire extinguisher and was able to extinguish the fire in the apartment. Property and content loss is estimated at $2,000.
The Fire Department would like to remind residents to practice home fire escape plans twice a year. If your home or apartment has multiple stories, every family member (including children) must be able to escape. Escape ladders can be placed in or near windows to provide an additional escape route.
In some cases, smoke or fire may prevent someone from exiting their home. To prepare for an emergency like this, practice "sealing yourself in for safety.” Close all doors between yourself and the fire. Use duct tape or towels to seal the door cracks and cover air vents to keep smoke from coming in. If possible, open your windows so fresh air can get in. Wait at a window and signal for help with a flashlight or by waving a light colored cloth. If there is a phone in the room, call the fire department and report exactly where you are.