Firefighters extinguish blaze at southeast Colorado Springs apartment complex

The Colorado Springs Fire Department responded to a massive structure fire in the southeast side of town around 1 p.m. Wednesday.

It was reported on Ralphs Ridge, which is near S. Circle Dr. and S. Union Blvd. (MAP) Flames were crawling up a three-story building at The Vue apartment complex.

Ashes were flying, according to the crew at the scene. Firefighters arrived and quickly doused the major flames. They were still working to put out hotspots and smaller flames until about 1:45 p.m. ( PHOTOS )

Edward Espinoza, a neighbor whose house is adjacent to where the fire started said, “I came outside to look and see where the smoke was coming from and then I saw the flames so I knock on a few doors and started loading my truck up with personal stuff.”

Colorado Springs Fire Captain Brian Vaughan said it appears the fire started outside on a 2nd-floor apartment and then moved inward. Three apartments had officially been deemed un-returnable, but one was vacant.

Another neighbor, John Nicholas, who rushed home from work said, “The fire department had busted down the door to make sure that everything was okay and that it hadn’t gone through so it’s a little scary I’m still kind of shaken I’m not sure how to handle something like this.”

We did find out that all renters in this complex have renters insurance. It’s a requirement to prove their insurance before they move in.

The fire is now extinguished, and firefighters say they’re investigating the cause.

People had reportedly evacuated nearby homes.

The cause of the fire isn’t yet known. No injuries have been reported.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates.