Fires at east Colorado Springs apartment complex caused by pipe sweating

The Colorado Springs Fire Department had to be called to an apartment complex three times in one day last week because of a fire accidentally started by a plumber.

The fire first started Wednesday morning near 2640 E. Monument Street. CSFD sent out an update Monday saying a plumber was sweating pipe — another term for soldering a pipe — in a bathroom when nearby insulation ignited.

Flames spread through the walls and crept up into the attic since there weren’t any fire stops in the walls. It took firefighters a few hours to clear the scene.

At about noon, someone reported seeing smoke from the same apartment, and firefighters were called back to the scene. No flames were found, but crews found some leftover insulation that was still smoldering. They doused the area and moved on.

But at 8:30 p.m., firefighters had to be called back for a third time for smoke, and this time they found fire in “different locations throughout the roof,” according to a news release. The fire was under control by about 11:30 p.m.

CSFD says the second and third responses were due to the insulation rekindling.

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Crews are investigating a structure fire that occurred near 2640 E. Monument Street Wednesday night.

It’s been reported that the fire happened at the same exact apartment complex that experienced a fire earlier in the day Wednesday.

Fire crews tell us they have not needed to evacuate anyone from the building, as they already took these measures earlier in the day. They say a passerby originally reported the fire to authorities.

They are currently investigating whether the fires have anything to do with each other or triggered the other from happening.

This is a developing story. We will continue to keep you updated as more information becomes available.

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The Colorado Springs Fire Department responded to a structure fire near Heather Crest Park in Colorado Springs Wednesday afternoon.

Crews arrived at Bula and Bonita Village to work on the fire. Authorities are telling the public to avoid the area.

All occupants in the residence were reported out.

This was the second fire crew responded to Tuesday. Earlier in the day, an eight-plex on East Monument St. caught fire.