Castle West Fire Survivors Six Months Later

COLORADO SPRINGS – The Castle West Apartment fire is already six months old. A lot has happened since January 16th, when one of the largest fires in Colorado Springs history occurred. Five people charged with crimes, one with first degree murder. The most glaring change is that the building is gone, with only an empty foundation left behind.

“I figured ‘oh it’ll never reach my apartment and3 hours later, it was at my apartment,” says former 3rd floor tenant Lafayette Ely.

Ely says his life is better now. He has a new apartment and was promoted to manager at his job. Positive distractions since he didn’t even realize six months had gone by.

“Just wasn’t even a thought to me,” says Ely.

More than 100 apartments weredestroyed in the Castle West fire and of those, 63 families have gone to Lighthouse Mobile Ministries for help. Many of those peoplestill go back for more.

“We called everybody back and gave them gift cards and $30 gas cards,” says Pastor Toni Mariani.

Along with her husband Pastor Bob, Pastor Toni keeps a record of all the donations and all the people in need.

“We do not stop anybody, if you wanted food, I’d give you food,” says Pastor Bob.

Leaving the destruction and demolition behind, Pastor Toni says most former residents are in nicer surroundings.

“Everybody found a better place to live,” says Pastor Toni. “Most of them were upgraded from where they were.”

“It is a blessing in disguise,” says Ely. “Behind every door that closes, another one opens.”

The owners of the Castle West site still don’t know what they plan to do with the land. Derrick Johnson, the suspect who faces first degree murder charges, will be in court Wednesday to enter a plea.