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September 11, 2001 By Jim Mimiaga A five-unit Cortez apartment complex caught fire early Sunday morning, causing injuries and extensive property damage, officials reported Monday. Residents of 346 S. Elm St. were evacuated at 3 a.m., and volunteers with the Cortez Fire Department managed to contain the fire to one apartment, according to firefighter and County Commissioner Kent Lindsay. The resident, Robert Couch, suffered third-degree burns. He was treated and released at Southwest Memorial Hospital, according to a hospital spokesperson. The fire was caused by a pillow lying against a heating element, officials said. The flames quickly spread to the rest of the apartment. "That one apartment was pretty much destroyed, and there could have been smoke damage in others," Lindsay said. Fire departments are warning people to check heating systems to make sure they are clear of debris, furniture or bedding. Chimneys need to be cleaned, fireplaces and stoves should be inspected for safety and batteries need to be replaced in fire detectors. "It is that time of year where it is getting colder and heating systems are getting cranked up, so people need to start paying more attention," Lindsay said. |
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Copyright © 2001 the Cortez Journal.
All rights reserved. |
