Electric space heater used to keep pipes from freezing caused apartment fire

LAKEWOOD, Colo. — Four people have been displaced and two cats were killed in a fire Friday morning in Lakewood.

West Metro Fire Rescue crews responded to the area of 12th Avenue and Ammons Street at about 4:52 a.m.

According to West Metro Fire, the fire was started by an electric space heater that was being used to keep pipes from freezing. The fire extended into the ceiling and then went through the first roof layer, allowing it to move through the attic space, West Metro said.

The roof of the structure proved to be a challenge for firefighters, West Metro Fire said. There were layers of complete roof structures, not just roofing material, that connected the apartment units, according to West Metro Fire.

The building was a total loss, West Metro Fire said. Four people were displaced due to the fire and two cats who were inside the home did not survive.