Family Homeless After 10 Days Since Lakewood Apartment Fire

LAKEWOOD, Colo. (FOX31) — Ten days after a major fire at a Lakewood apartment complex, some of the residents who lived there are still searching for a new home.

The fire at 1284 Lamar St. displaced 30 residents, and one family told FOX31 they still have no idea when they’ll be allowed to retrieve their belongings from the damaged building or potentially move back in.

“It’s kind of devastating,” said Jonathan Campos, who lived in the apartment building for 20 years.

Campos was told the air quality inside the building is so poor that he cannot enter to collect his belongings. At this point, he said, he has no idea what’s been destroyed and what might be salvageable.

The building at 1284 Lamar St. is now boarded up and fenced off.

“A lot of memories there,” he said. “Everything, just out of a blink of an eye, disappeared.”

According to West Metro Fire Rescue, the flames started from an unattended space heater on a wood balcony and quickly spread into the attached apartment. Fire officials said two other units sustained water damage, and the remaining eight units suffered smoke damage.

Campos, his parents and his sister are now staying in a family member’s one-bedroom apartment. The only belongings they took with them were the clothes they were wearing the day of the fire.

“We couldn’t get any clothes, any furniture, nothing,” Campos said. “All of our papers are in there. Everything. All of our belongings are in there.”

After living most of his life in that apartment, Campos said he’s worried he may never be able to return.

“We have a lot of questions,” he said. “We want answers from the landlord or from the police department — just trying to see what the next steps are.”

The family has launched an online fundraiser to help them secure a new place to live and purchase clothing and essentials until they can reenter the building and find out what can be saved.

Impact on Residents

The fire has left many residents in a state of uncertainty. For those who lived in the building, the loss goes beyond material possessions. It includes personal items, photographs, and memories that are now inaccessible.

• Emotional Trauma: Many residents expressed feelings of shock and disbelief. The suddenness of the event has left them struggling to process what has happened.
• Financial Strain: Without access to their belongings, families are facing financial challenges. They are unable to retrieve important documents, which could affect their ability to secure new housing or insurance.
• Lack of Communication: Residents have reported difficulty in getting clear information from the landlord or local authorities. This lack of communication adds to the frustration and anxiety.

Steps Being Taken

In response to the crisis, several steps have been taken by the affected families and the community:

• Fundraising Efforts: The Campos family has set up an online fundraiser to cover immediate needs such as temporary housing, clothing, and essential supplies. Other residents have also started similar initiatives to support each other.
• Community Support: Local organizations and neighbors have stepped in to offer assistance. This includes providing temporary shelter, food, and emotional support.
• Legal Action: Some residents are considering legal options to hold the landlord accountable for the conditions that led to the fire. This includes reviewing safety protocols and ensuring that proper maintenance was followed.

Ongoing Concerns

As the investigation into the cause of the fire continues, residents remain concerned about their future.

• Safety Concerns: The air quality inside the building remains a major issue. Experts advise against entering the premises until it is declared safe.
• Long-Term Housing: With no clear timeline for returning, many residents are looking for long-term housing solutions. This includes exploring government assistance programs and rental subsidies.
• Mental Health: The trauma of losing their homes has led to increased mental health concerns. Some residents have sought counseling to cope with the stress and uncertainty.

The situation highlights the importance of preparedness and the need for stronger safety measures in residential buildings. As the community continues to recover, the focus remains on supporting those affected and ensuring that their voices are heard.

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