A fire broke out in a vacant Lakewood gas station late Monday night, causing one person to be hospitalized. West Metro Fire Rescue officials have determined that the fire was human-caused, as reported on Thursday.
The fire originated in the northeast corner of the former car wash, service garage, and gas station located near West Alameda Avenue and South Harlan Street, according to a post by West Metro officials on X. It was revealed that approximately twenty-four individuals were residing inside the abandoned building, all of whom were homeless. A tent and cot were discovered inside the building on Tuesday.
Investigators have identified a person of interest in connection with the fire. The building is owned by Quick N Clean 84 LLC, based in Scottsdale, Arizona, as per Jefferson County property records. The company officials have not yet responded to requests for comment on the incident.
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