LAKEWOOD, Colo. — Firefighters rescued two people during a fire in an abandoned gas station on Feb. 4, highlighting earlier concerns by residents of squatters seeking shelter in abandoned buildings.
West Metro Fire Rescue crews rescued one person trapped inside the building at Alameda Avenue and Harlan Street. District Chief Sean O’Hara said once they got inside, firefighters discovered at least a dozen tents, cooking equipment and numerous propane tanks, CBS Colorado reported.
“I wouldn’t be surprised if somebody told me there were 20 to 30 people permanently residing in the building at that time,” O’Hara said.
The former gas station had been a concern for neighbors due to its use as a shelter by squatters. Residents had previously expressed worries about safety and the potential for such incidents.
“A lot of people have gone to the police have gone to the fire department and told them about the issues here; people coming in and out,” neighbor Victor Garibay said. “The drug use, of course. The police have come, the fire department has come but they never seem to really be able to do anything about it.”
The fire department posted on social media photos showing tents and burned mattresses, along with other personal items, discovered inside the building.
