Denver Firefighter Injured In Condo Fire
DENVER (CBS) - Fire broke out late Wednesday morning at a high rise condo complex which overlooks Cheesman Park in east Denver.
Firefighters got the call Monday morning when people spotted a plume of smoke coming from the 25th floor of the 2000 Cheesman East at 12th and Race.
The fire presented a special challenge for firefighter as they had to haul equipment up 25 flights of stairs.
"We drag a series of 2.5 inch hose on these high rises up the building, so it's very heavy equipment. It can add a hundred pounds per firefighter," Lt. Phil Champagne said.
Both condo units on the 25th floor were damaged, one from the fire, the other by smoke. Neither of the residents were at home at the time of the fire, but CBS4 spoke with the man who owns the condo moments later.
"I have a lot of friends I can live with for that matter, if they want me." Joe Paine said. "But everything I have to take with me is up there except what I have on and that's not going to take me to the debutant ball."
Paine says he has no idea how the fire started, he says he hasn't put up his holiday decorations yet.
People in the bottom floors of the 26 story building were not forced to evacuate. In fact, management says the building still plans to hold their Holiday party Monday night.
Firefighters had to climb 25 floors to get to the fire.
One firefighter was taken to Denver Health by ambulance for smoke inhalation and heat exhaustion, but Lt. Phil Champagne says the firefighter is expected to be okay.
Investigators are still trying to determine how the fire started.
