Explosion, fire destroys apartment complex on Colorado's Western Slope

An apartment complex in Palisade on Colorado's Western Slope was destroyed when it exploded and burst into flames early Friday morning. Crews rushed to the apartment complex in the 900 block of Iowa Avenue after 911 calls began at 7:15 a.m. 

When firefighters arrived, the 6-unit apartment complex was engulfed in flames. Firefighters from several crews including assist the Palisade Fire Department, Clifton Fire Department, Grand Junction Police Department, Palisade Police Department, Mesa County Sheriff's Office, and the Debeque Marshal's Office arrived to assist with the fire. 

There were initial reports of one person trapped inside but that has not been confirmed. The fire was extinguished in about an hour and a half and fire crews remained on scene for mop-up operations. 

"My mother-in-law came out and said that was a big sonic boom. But I came out to take my granddaughter to school and I saw the fire, flames everywhere," said witness Diana Goucher.  

Surrounding buildings were evacuated after the explosion and Xcel Energy crews were on scene to assist during the fire. 

The building was a total loss and six people were displaced and receiving services from the Red Cross. 

What caused the fire is being investigated.