Westminster Apartment Fire Was 'Intentionally Set': Investigators

WESTMINSTER, CO – A blaze that killed two women July 22 at a Westminster apartment building appears to have been a case of arson, investigators said Tuesday.

"At this time, investigators have classified the fire as incendiary, or intentionally set," a statement from the Westminster police and fire departments and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives National Response Team said.

An investigation will continue into the causes of the fire at the Westbury Apartments. The deaths of 41-year-old Lea Hamel and 58-year-old Margaret Kelly will now be considered homicides, the statement said.

The damage to the building at 1585 West 115th Ave. was so serious, some residents may never get to return to their units to try to salvage their belongings because of the presence of cancer-causing asbestos dust in the ruins of the building, the Denver Post reported.

Police released the building to the management at Westbury Apartments on Tuesday. "All residents with concerns or questions about retrieving personal items should contact property management at 303 452 0032," police said.

Fire started around 2:15 a.m.

Westminster Firefighters were dispatched at 2:16 a.m. on Sunday, July 22, to the 69-unit apartment building, which was found to be "heavily involved with fire." Witnesses described residents jumping from the second and third stories to escape the flames.

Ten people were injured and taken to multiple area hospitals, where Kelly and Hamel were declared dead.

According to Westminster fire, there were no fire sprinklers in the building. Sprinklers were not required by the fire code in 1974 when the building was constructed.

ATF investigators released preliminary findings of their investigation to the Westchester police and fire departments Tuesday, and will create another final report to the city in about 30 days, the police statement said.

Any witnesses to the fire who have not spoken to investigators are asked to contact Westminster Dispatch at 303-658-4360.

Image via YouTube

Stay up-to-date on Colorado news with Patch! There are many ways for you to connect and stay in touch: Free newsletters and Email Alerts|Facebook