AFTER FIRE, ASBESTOS ISSUES

Residents who fled burning apartments in Westminster may never be able to return home because of risk of asbestos contamination.

About 140 people who lived in a Westminster apartment building partially destroyed by fire may never be allowed to collect their belongings — even if their apartment survived the flames.

“It should be understood that in all probability reentry for residents may not be possible due to the hazardous condition of the building,” according to the Westminster Fire Department. “There is the risk of asbestos contamination throughout the building from smoke spread and water runoff from fire suppression activities.”

The deadly fire burned Building E in the Westbury Apartments located in the 1500 block of West 115th Avenue on July 22. It started a little after 2 a.m. and quickly spread through more than half of the building’s 69 units, forcing several residents to jump from second- and thirdstory balconies. Two women died and 14 other people were injured.

A handful of residents lost their pets in the fire.

The Westminster police and fire departments are working with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms to figure out what caused the fire.

“Until the investigation is completed no persons will be allowed access to the building and grounds inside the security fencing,” according to the release.

When the investigation is done, the building’s owner and a restoration company will have to decide whether it’s safe to let people inside the building to collect what’s left of their belongings. The concern is that asbestos particles, which are known to cause cancer, “are likely present throughout the building.”

The fire department is accepting donations for the victims at the Rodeo Market located at 3915 W. 73rd Ave. in Westminster through Aug. 19. People can drop off donations from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Furniture and used mattresses won’t be accepted.