Boulder, CO - A three-alarm fire occurred on Saturday at the Boulder's Hill House Apartments and displaced residents are unable to determine if their belongings are salvageable until Tuesday at the earliest because of the risk of asbestos exposure.
Nearly 50 people, mainly University of Colorado students, have been displaced by the fire but luckily, no injuries have been reported. However, for some residents, it is believed that they will not be able to reclaim any of their possessions due to asbestos contamination.
Crews discovered asbestos in the drywall mud on Sunday morning, which resulted in the four-story apartment being declared unfit for living. The police have told residents that they can't go back in their units until air quality tests are completed.
Investigators hadn't been able to trace the source of the fire as of Sunday morning. However, they said they believe it was an accident and that it is doubtful that the source was fireworks are a barbecue grill.
Over 50 firefighters from Boulder and surrounding areas were called in. One firefighter injured his shoulder and suffered heat exhaustion. Only the top two floors, where the fire appears to have started, are expected to be damaged by the fire but all units are expected to have water damage.
The property managers at Millennium Harvest House helped by taking in 15 residents while the remaining residents went to stay with family or friends.
Red Cross volunteers have responded as well by providing counseling and helping residents with creating lists of items in their units. The University of Colorado also offered to help with housing and food if needed.
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