Sprinkler System Stops Fire at Greeley Apartments; One Resident Critically Burned

An automatic sprinkler system extinguished a second-floor fire at Chinook Winds Apartments in west Greeley early Monday before firefighters arrived, containing damage but leaving one resident critically burned.

Engine 107 responded around 1:40 a.m. on Feb. 9 to 6622 10th Street and found a "sprinkler-controlled fire on the second floor, which had been extinguished by the sprinkler system prior to arrival," according to the city's news release. Firefighters rescued one resident who was transported to North Colorado Medical Center, then flown to Swedish Medical Center for burn treatment. The person was listed in serious but stable condition with second- and third-degree burns and smoke inhalation.

"The sprinkler system effectively controlled and extinguished the fire, preventing further spread," the city reported. Crews then ventilated the building and performed extensive checks on the first floor directly below the fire to ensure no hidden flames remained.

Greeley's fire code requires automatic sprinkler systems in all apartment complexes under Municipal Code Section 22-465. The Greeley Fire Department responds to over 300 fires annually, making such systems critical infrastructure in multi-family buildings.

Two residents were displaced; both remained in the building with property management's assistance. The cause is under investigation.