Colorado Springs, CO – Fire sprinklers limit interior fire damage to apartment after patio fire erupted; No injuries reported

A fire that erupted on the patio of an apartment complex early Friday morning is being investigated as suspicious.

The Colorado Springs Fire Department responded to a call for a possible structure fire at the Vineyard Apartments on 7239 Bodega Pt. near Woodmen and Rangewood around 12:05a.m.

First arriving companies found a fire on the outside patio on the ground level apartment. This fire was quickly extinguished by fire crews and the interior fire damage was limited by activated fire sprinkler heads.

All residents in the three story building were able to be notified of the fire by the existing alarm system. The combination of fire sprinklers and general smoke alarms averted a possible loss of life and a high dollar loss to this structure. The damage was limited to the outside patios/balconies with only interior water damage to the first floor apartment due to the sprinkler discharge.

A total of 12 firefighters were able to extinguish this fire in a few minutes with no injuries. One family of two adults and one dog were displaced due to damage and the Red Cross was activated to assist in the family needs.

The cause and damage estimates will be determined by the on scene investigator.